Chasing superstar Sprinter Sacre overcame early exuberance in a pre-racing gallop and schooling session at Newbury.
Off the track since suffering a well-publicised heart problem in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last Christmas, the seven-times Grade One-winning chaser was joined by stable companion Tanks For That for his return to the track.
Tanks For That, ridden by Sprinter Sacre's normal work rider Nico de Boinville, predictably gave his illustrious stable companion a lead.
Sprinter Sacre jumped the first of five fences down the back straight with aplomb under Barry Geraghty, but he took off a long way from the second fence, an open ditch, and dragged his back legs through the obstacle.
That, however, was the only semblance of a mistake from the eight-year-old, who cruised alongside his stablemate after turning into the home straight and comfortably drew clear to complete the workout.
