PUNCHESTOWNS can further consolidate his World Hurdle claims by recording a no-fuss victory in the Byrne Group Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson’s sixyear- old turned what looked a competitive renewal of the Long Walk Hurdle into a procession at Ascot after his elevation from handicap company.

A huge horse, his chasing career has been put on hold due to the progression he has shown over timber.

He meets some rivals on worse terms but his superiority was such that it is hard to see any of them turning the tables.

Punchestowns could emerge as Inglis Drever’s heir apparent.

Roll Along has all the attributes needed to land the Letheby & Christopher Chase.

Carl Llewellyn’s stable star is packed full of stamina and was noted doing all his best work at the finish of last year’s Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Festival.

He never looked like winning the novice championship but fairly flew up the hill to finish second to Albertas Run.

The track was never likely to suit at Aintree on his next start, especially on quicker ground.

But given a stiffer test of stamina first time out this season at Ascot, he again showed his hardy qualities.

In defeating Air Force One and Madison Du Berlais, the first two home in the Hennessy, Roll Along proved he had a bit of class to go with his stamina.

The slow pace then counted against him when finishing behind Barbers Shop last time out at Sandown.

Henry Daly’s Possol has more improvement in him that most as a six-year-old so rates the selection in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster.

Chief Dan George has made a pleasing start to life over fences and looks to have plenty in his favour in the victorchandler.

com Robert Burns 250th Anniversary Novices’ Chase at Ayr tomorrow.

Although he struggled after winning the 2007 Grade One Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, Jimmy Moffatt’s gelding appears to be getting to grips with his new discipline.

The nine-year-old demonstrated the benefit of an initial chasing experience at Sedgefield when pushing previous winner Skippers Brig to within two lengths at Carlisle last month.

The Sue Smith-trained Coe, who was fourth home at Carlisle, has since franked the form with a handicap chase victory off a mark of 123 at Haydock.