Three Weekend Eyecatchers - 03/12/2018

Champ - named after multiple-time Champion Jockey Sir AP McCoy, continued his climb up the ladder with a smart win in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle.

Opening mark looked no gift, and whilst being totally unexposed, had the strong look of a potential improvement. That it was, and as he began to pull his way into contention, Aidan Coleman kept the horse under control. When asked for maximum pressure, he ran on well to win comfortably.

Definitely one for the notebook, and be interesting to see where he goes next. Yet another future star for Nicky Henderson.

Ben Pauling at least had something to shout about, after the withdrawal of the returning Willoughby Court on Friday, and the sad retirement of Barters Hill earlier on Saturday.

He trained Global Citizen to an incredible victory in the Listed Ladbrokes Intermediate Hurdle. Virtually making all, the 6yo raced rather freely, and was always in front by a good few lengths.

David Bass kept him up to his work, and with the challengers closing up the straight, he went onto score by half-a-length. Smart performance.

Despite Sizing Tennessee's wide margin victory in the Ladbrokes Trophy, you could make a case for the Philip Kirby-trained Lady Buttons to be the easiest winner of the day.

She landed the final race on the card - completing a hat-trick of weekend eyecatchers from Newbury. She travelled well when tracking the leaders, before cruising into the lead two out under a motionless Adam Nicol.

She was pushed out up the run-in with absolute ease, making it three wins from her last four races over fences.

Comfortable.