High-class novices set to illuminate big Boxing Day cards in Britain and Ireland

Epatante will vie to secure a second successive Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle – and a fourth in a row for Nicky Henderson – when she tackles four rivals at Kempton after a thoroughly polished Fighting Fifth success at Newcastle.

Barring something untoward, it’s hard to imagine the Champion Hurdle winner slipping up, for all that Silver Streak and Ballyandy should keep her honest.

The Kauto Star Novices' Chase promises to be a more competitive and informative Grade 1, with the Skeltons’ Shan Blue, who has farmed two Wetherby novice chases by an aggregate 30 lengths, a fascinating rival for The Big Breakaway, who has a dented reputation to restore following his slightly tame defeat over an admittedly inadequate trip at Exeter.