WEIRD AL BOOKS FESTIVAL TRIP

Weird Al - booked Festival trip.

Weird Al booked his place in the RSA Chase field with a thoroughly professional performance in the Grade Two totesport.com Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby.

Betfred, totesport and Sky Bet all go 10-1 from 12s for Ian Williams' stable star after he confirmed his superiority over Knockara Beau by two and a half lengths.

Having only the fifth run of his career and third over fences, the seven-year-old jumped well for Paddy Brennan before asserting his authority between the final two fences.

The pair were sent off 5-4 joint-favourites and will clash again in March.

"That was just the job," said Williams.

"He's earned his place now and I think that will turn out to be a very good trial. If he can stay three miles here in that ground, he'll have no trouble at Cheltenham.

"I think my smile says it all really."

George Charlton said of the runner-up: "We set it up for him a bit but I'd rather that than have a farce of a race.

"He'll still come on for it a bit and the RSA will suit him as they'll go a good gallop and it will be a big field."