Beyond Conceit secures Cheltenham spot with Ascot success

Beyond Conceit booked his ticket to the Cheltenham Festival with victory in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Ascot.Despite pulling hard throughout the extended two-mile-three-furlong contest, the Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old managed to follow up his Newbury success when defeating favourite Topofthegame by a neck.Henderson said of the 5-2 winner: "They didn't go very quick there. I know it looked like he was outpaced for a moment or two, then it looked like he needed all of the two and half to get there. I'm sure he will be better coming off a good gallop."The Seven Barrows handler added:"We will have to have a think and he will run in one of them (Supreme Novices' Hurdle or Neptune). The two miles in the Supreme, he will get a good gallop and will drop it and travel and finish up the hill. "Luckily, I don't have to decide today."