Paul Nicholls can underline the strength in depth of his novice chasing team by sending out Opera Mundi to success at Newbury today This five-year-old is as low as 16-1 for the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival after winning on his debut over fences last November. That was a hugely impressive performance, with the French-bred turning what looked a competitive event into a procession, coming home 22 lengths clear of previous winner Petitjean.

Although he benefited from a 13lb weight-for-age allowance, the margin of victory suggests he would have come out well on top even without that advantage. Opera Mundi looks to have improved over the summer after a fair hurdling campaign last term and Nicholls has admitted he holds this one in some regard.