Wishfull Thinking put in a fine round of jumping to win the Murphy Group Chase at Cheltenham.

Sent off the 9-2 favourite, the progressive Philip Hobbs-trained gelding showed no signs of jumping frailties which had plagued him in the past and was always in control from the top of the hill.

"Richard was of the opinion that if the ground is good at Cheltenham he could get three miles for the RSA," said Hobbs.

"Otherwise he would have no problems staying at this trip for the Jewson.

"He was terrific today."

Calgary Bay (11-2) travelled well throughout and chased the winner hard but a mistake at the third from home halted his momentum slightly.

Robert Thornton performed miracles on Bakbenscher (10-1) who blundered at the last, however his jockey managed to cling on to the horses neck and maintain the partnership.

Noland never looked happy on his return to chasing, whilst Chapoturgeon started to creep into the race from off the pace but his effort peterd out up the hill.

The winner was promoted into 8/1 Favouritism for the Jewson from 16s with Sky Bet and in the RSA Chase is 14/1 from 20s.

Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: 'His Cheltenham target will be ground dependent but he has booked his Festival ticket with a seriously impressive performance as a novice to destroy a Grade 3 field off a mark of 148.'