Carlito shows the way

Carlito Brigante confirmed his JCB Triumph Hurdle credentials after completing his hat-trick in style at Musselburgh.

Sent off the evens favourite for the John Smith's Scottish Triumph Hurdle under Jason Maguire, victory in the £30,000 contest was never really in doubt as he travelled well throughout.

Brian Ellison's Ultimate set a brisk gallop but Maguire always looked confident on Gordon Elliott's juvenile and the pair powered clear for a six-length success.

Grand National-winning trainer Elliott had no hesitation in nominating the Triumph as his next race, where the famous Cheltenham hill should play to Carlito Brigante's strengths. He is as short as 7-1 for the Triumph with some bookmakers.

"He is a big, laid back horse and the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham is the plan now. That course will suit him much better as Musselburgh is a bit tight for him," said Elliott.

"I wanted to go for the Grade One race at Leopardstown (won by Pittoni) with him but we came here for the better ground.

Good horse

"After he had won here in November, Jason advised me to buy him and he's now owned by Michael O'Leary (boss of Ryanair) - he is a very good horse."

Maguire completed a double when the Donald McCain-trained Fiendish Flame (5-2 joint-favourite) made all in the John Smith's No Nonsense Novices' Chase.

"I was delighted with him," said Maguire. "When he won at Carlisle we thought it was a cracking performance and then he disappointed at Kempton, but the ground was probably too soft for him. The better ground suited him here, he jumped better out of it.

"I don't know what Donald is going to do now but he is in the Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase at Cheltenham."