Smart hurdler Aubusson made a promising debut over fences with a comfortable victory at Uttoxeter.
Beaten just a nose in a Grade 1 at Auteuil last month, Aubusson was sent off an odds-on favourite for his chasing bow over 3m.
Aside from a mistake at the first fence on the final circuit, Aubusson jumped soundly throughout and Lizzie Kelly never had to get serious in the saddle.
Kelly took several looks over her shoulder in between the final two fences and brought Aubusson home for an eased down win by four-and-a-half lengths from the outsider Dig Deeper.
The well-supported Milansbar, who was a course and distance on heavy going over hurdles 12 months ago, was being ridden along more than a circuit from home and could only manage fourth.
Tara Flow also justified odds-on favouritism when cantering to a 13-length success from the 40/1 shot Jester Jet in the opening Mares’ Maiden Hurdle over 2m.
Second over course and distance to a previous winner on her hurdling debut last month, Tara Flow was providing jockey Aidan Coleman with his 94th winner of the season.
For Good Measure, a full brother to 2014 Grand National runner-up Balthazar King, was an impressive winner on his handicap debut when beating Akula by eight lengths over 2m.
Richard Johnson later completed a double when Utility made a successful racecourse debut in the closing Bumper.
Baywing defied a 15lb rise for winning at Carlisle last time to follow up in the 2m3f Handicap Hurdle with a 10-length win from Touch Back.
Warren Greatrex is in good form at present and his April Dusk made a winning debut over fences when beating recent course and distance winner Friendly Royal by half-a-length in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase over 2m4f.
