WHILE Thistlecrack and Cue Card may be the current stable stars at the burgeoning yard of Colin Tizzard, there is every chance Pingshou could follow suit after his victory in the British Stallion Studs EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Having shown plenty of promise on his debut for the Dorset handler behind the well-regarded Jenkins, the six-year-old took another step forward when capturing a race which in recent years has gone to the likes of Noland, Tidal Bay, Darlan and Ballyalton.

Although pressed late on by the long-absent William Henry, the 14-1 chance held on by a length for Aidan Coleman to earn an opening quote of 33-1 with Paddy Power for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Tizzard, who was also on the mark with Theatre Guide, said: "He didn't race for two years until two weeks ago at Newbury and now he has won a novice hurdle at Cheltenham, so he must be all right.

"Even if he had got swallowed up on the bend it would have been a lovely run, but he stuck his head out and stayed on beautifully. He is a big chap. He nearly didn't run today, but Alan Potts (owner) was here. That was a lovely winner for us."