Zafarabad crushed doubts over the well-being of David Nicholson's yard with a performance that oozed quality at Newbury yesterday. The grey underlined his promise in the Newbury Autumn Hurdle to end an unusually long spell of 18 runners without success for his trainer.

Eased to the front in the home straight by Richard Johnson, the 5 to 2 chance was allowed to coast home for a comfortable three-length defeat of the favourite Flagship Uberalles.

Coral now quote Zafarabad at 16 to 1 for next March's Champion Hurdle with William Hill offering 20 to 1 (from 25s).

Nicholson's Gold Cup prospect Escartefigue is among several horses from the yard that have run badly in recent weeks.

Zafarabad is set to tackle the Gerry Feilden Hurdle next back at this course on November 28th, and his campaign will be geared towards a possible tilt at the Champion Hurdle.