However, there was plenty of confidence in the betting behind Alfred The Great, a winner at Sandown on his jumping debut, and he was backed from 4-1 into co-favouritism at 5-2 with Acropolis and Malt De Vergy.

In the race itself Patrick Haslam’s four-year-old was more than a match for the opposition as he put up a very polished performance under Barry Keniry to beat Lysander by five lengths after leading on the run to the penultimate flight.

Acropolis was fourth after having every chance, while the other market leader was a disappointing eighth.

Keniry said: “Although he just won at Sandown last time we were disappointed because we knew he was better than that.

“He didn’t jump very well that day but he jumped a lot better today, even though they didn’t go any pace.

“It was a good effort for a four-year-old with a penalty and he’s still as green as grass.

“I think he could be a really nice horse, maybe another King Revo.”

Graham Wylie, owner of Acropolis, was initially disappointed with the Howard Johnson-trained horse’s effort, although it was later reported by the racecourse vet that the five-year-old had been found to be lame on his left fore.

There was further woe for Acropolis’s owner and trainer when the saddle slipped on their 4-6 favourite Some Touch in the European Breeders Fund “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier), giving Brian Hughes a very uncomfortable ride.

After racing keenly the market leader understandably faded out of contention in the closing stages as Money Trix (9-2) stayed on strongly for Tony Dobbin to collar My Final Bid and land the spoils by three-quarters of a length.

The winner is held in high regard by trainer Nicky Richards, who said: “Money Trix will stay all day. This two and a quarter would be just on the quick side.

“He’s a grand horse and will make a great chaser. We’ll just get him educated and gradually climb up the ladder with him.”

Culcabock took advantage of his low weight to spread eagle his rivals in the Weatherbys Insurance Morebattle Handicap Hurdle.

Dougie Costello, replacing Peter Buchanan, who injured his knee at Catterick on Thursday, kicked Lucinda Russell’s 14-1 shot clear after the penultimate flight and he proceeded to romp home by 10 lengths from Crazy Horse.

“I think he really appreciated the fast pace,” said Russell, who was saddling her fifth winner this month.

“We were going to front run with him but when they went so fast we had to make new plans.

“He was well handicapped and it was nice to win a decent race at Kelso.”

Isellido put up a bold-jumping display to take the EBF/Tattersalls Ireland Mares’ Only Novices’ Chase (Qualifier).

Brian Harding let Richard Guest’s charge go on at the second fence and she never put a foot wrong in coming home 13 lengths ahead of the runner-up, Cool Dessa Blues.

After greeting the 7-2 co-favourite, Guest said: “It wasn’t really the plan to make the running but they weren’t going a gallop so Brian had to let her roll on.

“She’ll have one more run and then she’ll go for the final of this at Uttoxeter on the Saturday after the Cheltenham Festival.

“She might even go straight there and then that may be it as she may have a date with a stallion after that, if not before.”

Course specialist Interdit took his tally at the Borders venue to four wins and nine places from 14 starts with an all-the-way success in the Riccalton Shetlands Handicap Chase.

The 7-1 shot was strongly pressed by Miss Mattie Ross but Wilson Renwick kept Interdit up to his work to win by three lengths.

Trainer Billie Thomson said: “He loves to front run and he loves it here.

“That’s seven races he’s won for me and Wilson has won five on him.”

Timmy Murphy was handed a two-day suspension (January 24 and 25) for using his whip when out of contention on the unplaced Lord Payne.

Moor Spirit sent the bookies home happy when taking the Get Hitched At The Racecourse Handicap Chase.

Peter Beaumont’s 11-1 chance was given a typical strong Russ Garritty ride to get the better of Reivers Moon by five lengths.