Donald McCain looks to have a very exciting prospect on his hands in the shape of Wymott, who is 16/1 with Victor Chandler for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham after landing the Maxilead Metals Beginners’ Chase at Bangor.
 
Running in what was one of the strongest novice chases to date this season, including Tarablaze, Alfie Sherrin and Silver Kate, Wymott never saw another rival under Jason Maguire.

After seeing off the challenge of Tarablaze at the second-last, Pearlysteps ended up passing that rival to be second, four lengths behind the eased-down winner.

“I can’t say we didn’t have an inkling he’d do that, but you never quite now until you go racing,” said McCain.

“We didn’t go to Cheltenham or Aintree last year because of the horse we think he could be and this is a great step along the road.

“We schooled him over fences last year because he’s a bit of a playboy and we couldn’t get him to respect hurdles, and it wasn’t until we schooled him over fences that he jumped properly.

 “From the first day he jumped a poll you knew this was his job.

 “I tend not to plan too far ahead to be honest but I know where I’d like to be in the spring. Today was a big step down the road.