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Sprinter Sacre further enhanced his growing reputation with a superb performance in the Betfair Super Saturday Chase at Newbury on Friday afternoon.

Nicky Henderson's exciting novice followed up a foot-perfect fencing debut at Doncaster by annihilating Peddlers Cross at Kempton and this was his first start outside novice company.

Barry Geraghty was keen to settle the 2-5 favourite in behind rivals in the early stages of the Grade Two contest, better known as the Game Spirit Chase, but he soon pulled his way through the field.

Jumping boldly, the six-year-old went into a clear lead heading down the back straight and soon had his rivals in serious trouble.

French Opera did his best to keep tabs on his stablemate on the run for home on his seasonal reappearance, but Sprinter Sacre was still on the bridle and he came home with six lengths in hand without being extended.

Paddy Power make the gelding the 6-4 favourite from 9-4 for the Arkle Trophy at next month's Cheltenham Festival while William Hill go evens about his chance