Jonbon's Cheltenham odds lengthened with one bookmaker after he won in workmanlike fashion at Haydock.
The expensive purchase, racing in the colours of JP McManus, took the Grade 2 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle.
Paddy Power went 4-1 (from 7-2) on the back of the three length success.
The 2-5 favourite had to be shaken up by Aidan Coleman, who had a slight scare when his mount jumped into the back of a rival at the second last.
Coleman said: “It was hard work in that ground, it’s a sharp two miles around here, a bit of a speed track.
“We were all going flat out turning in but he’s picked up well and then, like every horse that hits the front here, he pulled up inside the last half-furlong. But I was very happy with the performance.
“He’s a pleasure to ride, the only moment of alarm was three out when Conor (O’Farrell on Donny Boy) jumped right and I winged it and landed on top of him. It wasn’t ideal, but everything went well other than that."
Royale Pagaille is 16-1 (from 25-1) for the Cheltenham Gold Cup after his tough Peter Marsh Chase performance.
Carrying top weight, he held the challenge of Sam Brown to win by half-a-length.
"He was getting tired but he was brave from the last," said winning rider Charlie Deutsch, after giving his boss Venetia Williams her fourth win in the race.
Tommy's Oscar (4-7f) booked his Cheltenham Festival spot in the ‘The New One’ Unibet Hurdle.
He halved in price (25-1 from 50-1) with Betfair for the Champion Hurdle following his smooth display.
"Cheltenham is very undulating but I suppose we’ve got to give it a go," said trainer Ann Hamilton.
Saturday racing results
ASCOT
12.35
1. Doctor Parnassus 3-1
1.10
1. Cat Tiger 9-2
2. Cobolobo 8-1
3. Le Breuil 20-1
1.45
1. Unexpected Party 3-1f
2. Fils D'Oudairies 5-1
3. Garry Clermont 9-2
2.20
1. Molly Ollys Wishes 13-8f
2. My Sister Sarah 3-1
2.55
1. Phoenix Way 7-1
2. Fanion D'estruval 3-1
3.35
1. Shishkin 5-6f
4.05
1. Jerrash 20-1
2. Complete Unknown 15-8
3. Galia Des Liteaux 13-8f
HAYDOCK
12.50
1. Minella Drama 85-40f
2. Hardy Du Seuil 7-1
1.25
1. Jonbon 2-5f
2. Richmond Lake 12-1
2.00
1. Tommy's Oscar 4-7f
2. Global Citizen 25-1
2.35
1. Royale Pagaille 5-2f
2. Sam Brown 8-1
3. Fortescue 16-1
3.10
1. Small Present 4-1
2. Tokyo Getaway 15-2
3. The Brimming Water 3-1f
3.45
1. Oscars Leader 15-2
2. Gallic Geordie 3-1
4.15
1. The Grey Falco 85-40f
2. Minella Charmer 8-1
NAVAN
12.00
1. Banbridge 7-2
2. Au Fleuron 5-1
12.30
1. Jaycean 10-1
2. Hemlock 12-1
3. Glen Wyllin 7-4f
1.05
1. Ash Tree Meadow 11-8f
2. Gracchus De Balme 15-8
3. Leitrim Chief 50-1
1.40
1. The Very Man 20-1
2. Palace Rock 4-1jf
3. Bread And Butter 15-2
4. Homme D'Un Soir 33-1
2.15
1. Macs Charm 12-1
2. Banks Boy 14-1
3. Endlessly 13-2
4. Aragon 28-1
2.50
1. Champagne Platinum 14-1
2. Ain't That A Shame 5-4f
3. Cavallino 5-1
3.25
1. Routine Excellence 5-6f
2. Four Country Roads 25-1
3. Big Leg Up 16-1
4. Fou Diligence 25-1
4.00
1. Joyeux Machin 13-8f
2. Don Chalant 5-2
3. Fiston De Becon 14-1
