Blaklion opened his account over fences at the third attempt with a determined display in the Harrison James And Hardie Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.
Blaklion opened his account over fences at the third attempt with a determined display in the Harrison James And Hardie Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.
A Grade Two winner over hurdles at this fixture last season, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained six-year-old was a touch disappointing on his chasing debut at Chepstow in October, but was still in with every chance when coming to grief at Cheltenham's Open meeting four weeks ago.
Sent off a 3-1 chance to bounce back under Ryan Hatch, Blaklion jumped convincingly while others faltered. Favourite Minella Rocco made a shuddering mistake at the fourth fence and was pulled up after the next, while Vicente dropped away after making numerous errors.
Blaklion was one of three in with a chance rounding the home turn and galloped all the way to the line to score by two and a half lengths. Onenightinvienna confirmed recent Exeter form with Fletchers Flyer by beating his only remaining rival to the runner-up spot.
Twiston-Davies said: "It was frustrating last time and he probably proved today he would have won. He's a lovely horse and he jumped really well and it was great for Ryan, who is without his 3lb claim. We give him a lot of trust and he pays it back in spades.
"He got a bit boxed in round the bottom bend, but he had quite a bit left. He was quite sticky over the first few fences and maybe he was just remembering his fall from last time, but he really warmed into it.
"We'll see how he comes out of this and where the races are, but I don't want to plan too far ahead. The obvious one is Kempton (Feltham Novices' Chase), but that's only a fortnight away.
"We definitely want to run him again before the Festival, where the obvious race is the RSA Chase. That is his main aim."
Paddy Power make Blaklion a 16-1 shot for the RSA back at Prestbury Park in March.
Lord Landen ended a recent lean spell when getting the better of a pulsating finish to theracingunion.co.uk Exclusively For Students Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase.
In what turned out to be an eventful contest, the 10-year-old put his head in front where it mattered most to take the two-mile-five-furlong prize by the narrowest of margins.
After leader Hayjack took a tumble early on, the pace was disputed by Comeonginger and Ultragold until four from home when the latter departed along with Kilronan High.
Still in the lead over the last, the 25-1 shot looked set to collect but with the post in sight, the Chris Gordon-trained runner was to be denied as Lord Landen flashed home to collar him on the line by a short head.
Winning trainer Fergal O'Brien said: "I wanted to go to Southwell with him on Sunday, but fair play to the owners they wanted a day out. It's great they are local lads and they are a great syndicate that have been loyal to me.
"He is mad as a box of frogs and he breaks rails wherever he goes, but Ally Sterling has done a wonderful job with him. He is really settled into the new yard at Naunton."