Three Weekend Eyecatchers - 18/02/2019

Cyrname followed up his impressive win in a Handicap in Berkshire back in January, by sending top class rivals into submission in the Grade One Ascot Chase on Saturday.

Sent off a strong 3/1 chance in amongst a field of multiple Grade One let alone Graded winners, the 7yo once again completely blitzed them from the front end.

On the turn for home, his lead was reduced as the opposition closed in, but it was merely Cobden in the saddle buying time for a breather.

He jumped the last superbly - as he did all way round, and began to draw right away impressively, scoring by seventeen lengths and thus opening up his Cheltenham Festival options.

Waiting Patiently; the disappointing 11/8 favourite headed the remainder.

(Credit ITV Racing)

Colin Tizzard enjoyed success most notably up on Merseyside on Saturday, with Robinsfirth - the only horse without a Grand National entry, who stormed up the run-in to land the big trial.

Three and a half miles was a new trip for this 10yo gelding, who had most recently finished second at Haydock behind Wakanda in the Peter Marsh Chase.

He had also won at Cheltenham this term with stamina certainly assured, he initially made no impression having been driven out over three out, before eventually staying on stoutly approaching the last.

Back in contention, he led inside the last half-furlong to get the better of the grey Ramses De Teillee - who put in yet another outstanding effort for David Pipe, with Chef D'Oeuvre back in third.

(Credit ITV Racing)

Silver Forever wrapped up an incredible day for ten-times Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, who recorded five wins at Ascot, and a further three at other UK venues.

With Nicholls' horses absolutely flying before the final race - the Mares Bumper, Silver Forever had a chance to enhance her third in a Listed Mares' event at Huntingdon latest.

Slight difference in her race tactics on Saturday, as she raced wide and did not choose to lead until hitting the front two-out.

Stayed on well to record five for Nicholls, and four for Harry Cobden.

Aintree seems likely next.