Stan James have been forced to cut Tataniano from 14/1 to 12/1 for the Arkle at next year's Cheltenham Festival after his most impressive chase debut at Exeter this afternoon.

The 1-5 favourite landed the Zoya Vaux Birthday Best Mate Beginners' Chase in emphatic fashion with his jumping appearing flawless all the way round what could have been a tricky race.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "I was sweating over the weekend watching the weather forecast, but thankfully the rain came in time.

"This is a nice race to win and we can now head to the Grade Two at the Paddy Power meeting (Independent Newspaper Novices' Chase) and have a go at the other good ones.

"He has done well, but has a long way to go to prove it at the next level.

"He has only been in the indoor school at home so that is his first time jumping fences on grass - and his first piece of fast work.

"It was a perfect introduction and he couldn't have made a better start."

Owner Andy Stewart said: "We're very pleased with that and he did it very well.

"Jumping is the thing and he seems to have done that.

"Let's work our way slowly up the ladder and let's see if we can get to Cheltenham in March."

Punters should visit Stan James and make the most of their free bet offer on any one of the Cheltenham antepost markets.

The Arkle 2010 ~ Outright Ante Post, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3)

8    Sizing Europe
9    Crack Away Jack
10    Mikael D'Haguent
12    Fiveforthree
12    Tataniano (from 14s)
16    Medermit
16    Muirhead
16    Osana
16    Somersby
16    Copper Bleu
20    Jered
20    Snap Tie
20    Captain Cee Bee
20    Ashkazar
25/1 Bar