CHIPPING Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon was full of praise for Midnight Shot after the gelding got him off the mark for the new jumps season with an impressive success at Towcester.

The seven-year-old put in a terrific round of jumping on his first crack at the larger obstacles to make all the running in a beginners’ chase over an extended two miles and five furlongs.

The 7-4 second favourite had his rivals in trouble turning for home, and Aidan Coleman was able to ease him down on the run-in before passing the post five lengths clear of Lofgren.

Longsdon said: “He has always been a good jumper, and that was as good a round for a novice as you’ll see.”