Vicar to seize the day at Sandown

Morning Vicar can follow up his victory at Newbury a month ago in Sandown’s My Oddsboost On Betfair Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase tomorrow.

Nicky Henderson’s sevenyear-old got off the mark over fences at the third attempt, after showing promise in his first two runs. He got off to an inauspicious start when falling at the fourth-last obstacle at the same course last December when he was still in with every chance.

Morning Vicar returned to action at Uttoxeter in October, and just found the extended two and three-quarter miles a shade too far.

However, he lost nothing in defeat to Demachine – who has gone to win at Ascot.

The drop in trip can only be a help – and with that confidence-boosting first success over fences under his belt, Morning Vicar can continue to progress and maybe go on to better things.

Star Gate can overcome his relative inexperience to take the Grade Two honours in the Ballymore Winter Novices’ Hurdle. Evan Williams’ four-year-old won a point-topoint in February and was also successful on his only run over hurdles at Chepstow five weeks ago. He showed great promise that day with a comprehensive victory by six and a half lengths from Everglow. Williams must rate him highly to step up in class so soon.

Espion should appreciate tackling the near three-mile distance of the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle.

The Philip Hobbs-trained six-year-old shaped encouragingly when third to Gortroe Joe over two and a half miles. He was putting in his best work at the finish, to suggest he will stay further.

The Big Breakaway should confirm the big impression he made on his fencing bow at Cheltenham to land the Download Tote Placepot App Novices’ Chase at Exeter.

Colin Tizzard’s five-yearold made light work of landing the odds by 10 lengths from inferior rivals. He jumped well and never appeared to be in any danger.

The Big Breakaway could develop into a very smart performer. After all, he was fourth to Envoi Allen in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after winning both his starts over the smaller obstacles last season.

Lithic can finally open his account over fences in the Haldon Hill Handicap Chase. Jon jo O’ Neill’ s charge has been placed on no fewer than 10 occasions, and it is surely only a matter of time before he gets his just reward. He was run out of it close home by

Commit Or Quit at Wetherby on his latest outing, and he has run well here in the past.

Shantou Express can follow up on a recent success in the MansionBet Faller Insurance “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Sedgefield.