Born Braver took the step up in trip to three miles at Down Royal in his stride when he landed the Pepsi Max Hurdle.

The 8/11 favourite faced three runners and disputed at a sedate pace with Gold In The Rivers

Kieren Buckley sent him into the lead two out which he wasn't fully fluent at but he stayed on well to post a four-length success from Gold In The Rivers.

Gavin Cromwell said: "He is ground and trip versatile.

"It was a very messy race and they went pretty steady early and it turned into a sprint.

"He showed a little bit of class there although it is probably hard to weigh up off that race.

"You probably could go back to 2m4f, but I think he will stay 3m very well. I think he will make into a nice chaser at some stage."

On Buckley, he added: "He is absolutely (a good part of the team), he has ridden out his claim and is good and solid.

"He has settled into the yard really well.

"It has been a good move for both - he is a good fella and a good worker."