Very Cool gave a lion-hearted display as he refused to yield to his opponents in the Berkshire Stand Bookshop Novices' Hurdle at Newbury.
Like many others from the 'Cool' dynasty, bred and owned by Nicholas and Sue Mills and trained by Martin or David Pipe, the diminutive gelding, a 9-2 shot, set off in front on his own.
In the course of a gruelling three-mile test, he saw off Nevada Royale, then Starburst Diamond and Crank Hill before repelling the final challenge of Theatre Dance by a neck.
David Pipe said: "I think we've had 22 'Cool' winners now and that was a very brave performance in those conditions.
"Johnny Farrelly did very well on him. He's not the quickest but he keeps galloping."
With morning showers rendering the ground pretty testing, the Sabin Du Loir Memorial Maiden Hurdle was always going to be another slog.
Canalturn and Ballydub were both pretty keen on landing the spoils as the pair drew a mile clear of their rivals at the top of the long home straight.
Jumping the last Canalturn had the advantage but Ballydub (8-1) finished slightly quicker under Richard Johnson and got the verdict by a neck on his first run since moving to Philip Hobbs from Henrietta Knight.
"We bought him at the sale at Cheltenham in January and that was very pleasing," explained Hobbs.
"Chasing next year is his job so we're not bothered about losing his novice tag for hurdles."
Island Flyer remains a most progressive young chaser as he made it three out of three over fences with another flawless display.
The Montpelier Re Novices' Handicap Chase was further step up the ladder for the six-year-old from his victories at Wincanton and at this course at the start of the month.
Carrying a 7lb penalty, the 7-1 co-favourite was soon in command for Paddy Brennan and had perhaps just been on his own in front for too long as Appleaday closed the advantage to a length by the post.
"He just loves jumping and always seemed to have things under control," said George.
"I suppose we'll have to step him up again if we run him once more this season but there'll be bigger targets next year."
More news from SportingLife.com
Full racecards from SportingLife.com
Fast and full results from SportingLife.com
