Rasen delight for Dartnall

The Victor Dartnall-Denis O'Regan axis was given added credence at Market Rasen when Mic's Delight claimed the feature race of the day.

Suitably inspired by Giles Cross's exemplary victory in the Haydock Grand National Trial, Dartnall and O'Regan put the seal on a vintage weekend at the Lincolnshire circuit.

Mic's Delight was a good course-and-distance scorer in January and maintained his sharp ascent by fending off Maringo Bay by a length in the Grab A Grand On 11th March Novices' Chase.

The trainer said: "Denis wasn't very keen (on going to Cheltenham) and said he probably needs a bit more practice before pitching him on to a Grade One track. He's not very big and we need to preserve what confidence we have with him."

Malcolm Jefferson's Festival aspirations were more forceful after the likeable Attaglance ran amok in the Mirror Punters Club Handicap Hurdle. A first-flight gaffe at Sandown in January led to his demise, but things came together this time as the 13-2 chance edged clear two out in the hands of Harry Haynes and scored by nine lengths.

Jefferson said: "He'll jump a fence in time, but I might put him in the Martin Pipe (Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle) at Cheltenham as he'll definitely get in now."

Owner Robin Geffen might have to think again about Cheltenham after Kauto Stone disappointed in the Ascot Chase on Saturday, but while context is required, the style in which Fiulin (6-4 joint-favourite) scampered a length and a quarter clear of Brass Tax in the TurfTV Novices' Hurdle at least provided a degree of solace.

Winning jockey Tom Scudamore said of the David Pipe debutant: "He is a tough stayer - the first-time blinkers have also helped - and was as fit as a flea."

Brass Tax's jockey, Daryl Jacob, was banned four days (March 4-7) for using his whip with excessive frequency.

John Ferguson's French acquisition Monarch's Way (6-1 co-favourite) was an accomplished scorer in the Rewards4Racing.com Handicap Hurdle, and the stable doubled up when New Year's Eve (8-13 favourite) took a big step towards Cheltenham with a cool eight-length triumph in the bumper.