CHRISTMAS came early for Milton Harris as Paxford Jack stormed to a front running victory at Cheltenham last Saturday.

The Paxford trainer, who also owns the six-year-old, pocketed a winners' cheque for £30,000 after victory in the Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Future Champions Novices Chase.

Moreton jockey Ollie McPhail gave the 33/1 outsider of ten a fantastic ride over the 17 fences in the two-mile five furlongs chase and had a length to spare at the finish from favourite Supreme Catch.

It was Harris's first time in the winners' enclosure at Cheltenham and the Cotswolds handler predicted a big future for his chestnut gelding.

"The way he jumped those fences and made all the running shows that he has the makings of a Grand National horse," Harris declared.

"He was bought to go steeple chasing but really needs three miles. Ollie was told to make the running and the horse certainly showed that he had the stamina to succeed."

It was only Paxford Jack's third run over fences and his only previous win in 16 starts was in January in a four-horse race over hurdles at Folkestone.

Ascot or Uttoxeter await the six-year-old this weekend although Harris's hand could be swayed as to whether Jack actually races when he finds out the penalty for victory.

"I think he went off at such a high price because the owner and trainer were relatively unknown!" Harris admitted. "Official ratings, though, showed that he was in the top four in the field and he certainly proved his worth."