MULLIGAN sounded an unmistakable and deafening warning to his rivals for Cheltenham's Guinness Arkle Challenge Trophy with a power-charged performance at Warwick on Saturday.

The Grade Two Michael Page Group Kingmaker Novices' Chase brought two genuine Arkle pretenders face to face as the David Nicholson-trained chestnut, hitherto unbeaten in four outings over fences, squared up to Andy Turnell's Champion Hurdle fifth Squire Silk. But in truth, the match failed to live up to its billing.

Adrian Maguire and Mulligan, marginally preferred in the betting at 5 to 6, set off in front from the tape, and the partnership put up a breathtaking show.

The same could not be said for Squire Silk, racing at the rear of the quartet, who could have hardly have clouted the fourth and fifth fences any harder had he been fitted with a blindfold.

Although his class brought him back on the bit on the home turn, Squire Silk could never land a blow at Mulligan, who soared over the final two fences of the two-mile contest for an emphatic five-length victory.

Understandably, Nicholson could hardly contain himself afterwards. "The wife would call it scintillating, I would call it electric, he said.

"He has been a natural from day one, and that was a lovely performance. That is five out of five now, and he goes to the Arkle with a favourite's chance. I'm looking forward to it."

The trainer considers the seven-year-old ideally suited by softer terrain and added: "He hasn't even got his ground yet when he does, look out!"