A disappointing field of five went to post for the Pertemps Qualifier at Carlisle and Brian Hughes was seen at his strongest on Taxmeifyoucan, forcing the Keith Dalgleish gelding home after taking a narrow lead from Presence Felt after the last flight.

In many ways, the John Dixon outsider was the moral winner. The 16/1 chance had looked outstanding in the paddock and, with John Dixon junior giving him every opportunity to stay the extended three miles, he took a clear lead between the last two hurdles and was rallying bravely after being headed halfway up the run in.

The 3m 2f chase went deservedly to Teddy Tee and Ryan Day, who teamed up splendidly to put in a series of bold, extravagant leaps.

Today sees the last day of racing before Christmas with Haydock and Newcastle providing the sport in the North. Feature race at Haydock is the Tommy Whittle Chase an event in which Sue Smith has a sound record.

Smith has entered Vintage Clouds this time around and the course winner has losses to regain, having dropped out of contention at an early stage of the Becher Chase at Aintree. He has run some of his best races at Haydock and will be well suited by underfoot conditions.

Nicky Richards has pencilled in Glittering Love to make his seasonal reappearance in the long distance handicap chase. This genuine stayer has an excellent strike record and in the past gone well fresh.

Stablemate Amberose landed a touch at Carlisle last time out despite hitting the front a shade too early. She needs to be held up for a late challenge but if she gets the run of the race should go close in the handicap hurdle.

Boxing Day is less than a week away and the King George promises to be a thriller. Carlisle form is shared between Lostintranslation and Cyename with personal preference for this year's Colin Parker Memorial Chase winner, who followed up with a decisive win in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.