Sanctuaire impresses

He had gained an increasingly exasperating reputation over hurdles, being unruly at the start as well as on the gallops, but was a revelation at a different discipline and left his rivals toiling in the Charlie Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Novices' Chase.

"I think that will have done him the world of good both mentally and physically," said Nicholls.

"Once he jumps off, he's very obviously a tool. We train him on his own and he was a bit guessy at jumping, but that can improve.

"I did put him in the Arkle but I think he'd be at his best around Aintree. I could run him in the Kingmaker at Warwick now, or find another small race."

Ted Spread went off the 5-4 favourite for the Delta Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Handicap Hurdle, and even if several of his market rivals had not been withdrawn, they would have had their work cut out.

Group class on the level for Mark Tompkins and second to Grumeti on his Nicholls debut at this course a month ago, Ted Spread came up trumps by seven lengths.

"Mark was very helpful when I got him and I think the owners just wanted him to go to a jumping yard," Nicholls said.

"It was bad ground last time and I think he can still improve a bit. He might end up in the boys' race at Cheltenham or maybe the County Hurdle."

Mulholland boost

Neil Mulholland's upturn in fortunes continued after Midnight Chase's valuable victory in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham last weekend as Andrias Guerin guided Hobb's Dream clear at 25-1 in the Alpha Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

"It's amazing what a winner can do for you," said Mulholland.

"I couldn't believe her price. She can come back under a penalty for a 0-95 mares' race here next Thursday."

Venetia Williams' Val Mondo was backed into 9-4 favourite stepping out of novice company in the Command And Logistics Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Handicap Hurdle but was caught out by a determined customer in Charlie Mann's Magic Prospect (9-1).

Williams managed to make amends in the Go Commando Handicap Chase when Renard (3-1 favourite) rekindled what has already been a productive season.

"I wondered whether he'd still have the pace for two miles as I had been stepping him back up in trip," she said.

"I think that makes our mind up to enter him for the Grand Annual."

Nick Scholfield helped Arthur Whiting's The Wee Lass to strike at 66-1 in the DBS/EBF mare's bumper but was rewarded when he was thrown off just after the line. The jockey rose unscathed.