'He's a horse for the future - it's exciting to have one like him'

Trainer Nick Mitchell believes Lieutenant Rocco has an exciting future after his impressive eight-length success in the 3m novice chase.

The six-year-old produced a professional display of jumping under Daryl Jacob and could next be aimed at the Festival Novices' Chase or Marsh Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in March.

"I was confident he'd handle the trip and he's made every yard," said Mitchell. "It's the first time he's really had his ground and it's nice to see him do it in style. He beat nice horses into submission.

"That was a joy to watch. He's a natural jumper and that's why we went novice chasing with him at five. It's exciting to have a horse like him. He's entered in the Marsh and in the Festival Novices' Chase as well. Given his performance, we'll have to seriously consider the latter.

"He's one for the future and we'll mind him. We want him to have enough petrol in the tank to achieve the things we believe he can."

Upsetting the odds

Heavy ground made life difficult for the jockeys and it was tricky for punters, too, with two winners returning at odds of 66-1 and 33-1.

Committee Of One landed the 2m mares' handicap hurdle at 66-1 by half a length for trainer Tom Gretton and, in the following race, Steel Native finished clear of the 6-5 favourite Le Tueur for David Rees.

The trainer recorded a double when Kiera Royale won for the first time since landing an Irish point-to-point in November 2018 in the 2m3½f mares' handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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