Green Tango justified favouritism to take the Skybet Press Red To Bet On ATR HBLB Novices' Chase at Southwell in pleasing fashion.
Henry Daly's seven-year-old, a ready winner at Haydock on his last start earlier in the month, stalked long-time leader Reel Missile for most of the two-mile contest before sweeping to the head of affairs with a clean jump at the penultimate fence.
The 5-6 shot, ridden by Mark Bradburne, picked up nicely and went on to register a two-and-a-half-length success from Feel The Pride.
As a consequence, Green Tango has been cut from 33-1 to 25-1 with totesport to win the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, while William Hill make him a 16-1 chance.
"He ideally wants better ground than that but he's clearly heading the right way," said Bradburne.
"He went a bit quick because he idles a bit when he gets in front, but he's done it well enough in the end."
Filed by Katie Byrne
