The Lucinda Russell-trained gelding was patiently ridden in the rear by regular jockey Derek Fox and began to hit top gear as the race reached the closing stages, staying on well up to the Cheltenham hill to secure third behind Galopin Des Champs . It was the ideal preparation for the Grand National, with the gelding halving in price with some bookmakers following the performance.

Corach Rambler won the Ultima Handicap Chase en route to National success last year, and connections will be hoping he can repeat the feat.

"I was absolutely delighted with him and I think he's quite pleased with himself, all roads lead to Aintree now," said Russell.

"I'm immensely proud of him and everyone who has gotten him there, he's just a remarkable horse.

"I was very, very touched by the way the crowd cheered when he came in, I thought they were cheering for the winner but then I realised the winner hadn't come in yet – it was actually quite emotional.

"That was one of his best runs and he'll go for the race (Grand National) off a good mark now.

"It's the same as we do for all of them, we give them a nice easy time at the farm and then get them a bit wound up.

"We've already worked out how many pieces of work he'll have, he just gets back into his routine."