Although 4-6 favourite Contraband got to within a length of the Paul Nicholls inmate at the second-last, the eight-year-old blundered away his chance, leaving the grey to coast home by three and a half lengths.

“That was disappointing,” admitted Johnson.

“The race was run to suit, but maybe he’s becoming a bit of a monkey. He never jumped a fence and he never went for him.

“There are no excuses.”

Contraband is entered in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham but it appears unlikely he will take his chance.

When asked what the future plans were for the gelding, Martin Pipe, assisting his son David, said: “Today was the plan! We need to have a chat but it was very disappointing.”

Sporazene, who received 7lb from the runner-up, gave Sam Thomas his first victory for the Ditcheat yard since being announced the champion trainer’s second jockey.

Nicholls’ assistant, Dan Skelton, said: “Sporazene is still a bit novicey but that was ideal.

“It is great to have got Sam, and the horse, off the mark.

“We hope to find another similar race, ideally left-handed over a bit further.”

Henrietta Knight, who won three Gold Cups with Best Mate, appears to have another serious prospect on her hands in Ringaroses.

The five-year-old, part-owned by former BHB chairman Martin Broughton, eased to an impressive length-and-a-half victory under Murphy in the two-mile five-furlong betfredcasino.com “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.

Though guarded in her praise of the five-year-old, Miss Knight could not fail to hide her delight and said: “He’s got a lot of edges to be levelled out.

“He’s very excitable and has a lot of calming down to do.”

The Wantage handler is now thinking in terms of the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival for Ringaroses, the last foal of Knight’s top mare, Rose Ravine.

“He won’t be seen too many times before then (Cheltenham). But perhaps we need to give him a couple more runs to give him a bit more experience,” she added.

Knight’s Zaffamore, also owned by Broughton, finished runner-up to Balladeer in the Betfred – World’s Biggest Independent Bookmaker Handicap Chase.

Glacial Sunset proved age to be no barrier as he made all under Tom Doyle in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle.

The Colin Tinkler-trained 11-year-old bounced back to form in game fashion in the two-mile-five-furlong heat, wearing down Wee Dinns to score by five lengths.

“He got a soft lead and he loved it,” said Doyle. “He can go three miles, but the main thing is he likes to be in front.

“For an old horse, he appears to have plenty of speed.”

Tony McCoy and James Fanshawe are always a combination to be feared and teamed up with Nobelix, who cruised to a facile six-length success in the two-mile betfredpoker.com Novices’ Hurdle.

The 4-6 favourite breezed to the front off the final turn and quickly put daylight between himself and Magnesium.

Fanshawe said: “I’ve been dying to get (owner) Rupert Hambro to go jumping with him.

“He had been hard to place after being put up 10lb for a Haydock win (in July) and he’s really enjoyed schooling at home.

“I think he enjoyed that.”

Rakalackey put up a fine display to land the Betfred Novices’ Handicap Chase under Richard Johnson.

The half-brother of 2001 Racing Post Trophy hero Young Spartacus – also owned by Bart Hellyer and trained by Henry Daly – jumped his rivals into submission in the three-mile chase.

The 7-2 joint market leader jumped upsides Bengo and Terramarique at the second last and soon pulled clear of the former to record a three-and-a-half-length victory.

Johnson said: “The only difference between them is that Spartacus had a bit more speed.

“This one jumps as well, perhaps too well if anything – he’s too neat and careful.

“He’s won around here but I think we will have to look for a stiffer track next time.”