FLEMENSTAR made a hugely impressive seasonal debut in the Grade 2 Irish Form Book Fortria Chase at Navan.

Peter Casey’s gelding confirmed the promise he showed during a superb novice campaign with a powerful seven-length defeat of 2010 Champion Chaser Big Zeb under Andrew Lynch.

Coral reacted by cutting the seven-year-old to 7-1 from 9s for the Cheltenham Gold Cup while William Hill went 8-1 from 10s for the Blue Riband on March 15.

Casey said: “I’m thrilled to bits with that. He was only about 80 per cent fit today. We’d done just enough work with him to get him here today but he blew up down the back. We’ll keep stepping him up in trip now.

“He’ll go to Punchestown next for the John Durkan and after that we’ll think about stepping him up to three miles. I have no worries about him staying the longer trip. as he’s bred to get it.”

Earlier, World Hurdle runner-up Voler La Vedette (1-7Fav) suffered an unexpected defeat in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle.

Colm Murphy’s mare was unable to peg back the Oliver McKiernan-trained Whatuthink (25-1) who made all the running under a fine ride from Tom Doyle.

Overturn is reported to be in excellent shape after his successful chasing debut at Sandown.

Donald McCain’s gelding jumped impeccably en route to a dominant victory at the Esher venue and has the choice of races at Bangor or Haydock for his next outing.

McCain said: “He’s grand this morning, no problems at all. He was magic on Saturday. It was a good time and he enjoyed himself. He’s come back fine so it’s all good.

“I’m not sure where he’ll go, but there is a graduation chase at Haydock on November 23 or the Ginger McCain Memorial Novices’ Chase at Bangor on December 1.”

MAKARI (1.45) can continue Nicky Henderson’s excellent run of form at Southwell.

The five-year-old looked useful when routing Jameel in a trappy novices’ hurdle at Fakenham last month and will take all the beating again this afternoon.

ACROSS THE BAY (2.25) should score for Donald McCain in the graduation chase at Carlisle.

The eight-year-old landed a competitive handicap chase in great style at Kelso last time out and should have too much class for last season’s Grand National fourth Cappa Bleu.

McCain can later enjoy a double with the promising KRUZHLININ (3.30) in the beginners’ chase.