Lodge Lane ran below expectations at Cheltenham but he was back on song in the EBF/D M Hall Future Champions “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Perth.

Master Minded enjoyed a reassuring first victory in Britain on yet another glittering afternoon for his trainer Paul Nicholls at Sandown.

Venetia Williams was in double form at Plumpton on Monday following wins for De Blanc and Idole First, with the latter now a possible for a return trip to the Cheltenham Festival.

Connections of Slew Charm are looking forward to a day out at the Cheltenham Festival with the four-year-old after he opened his account over hurdles at Market Rasen.

VENETIA WILLIAMS hopes to strike while the iron is hot with Jolly Boy after the lightly-raced six-year-old comfortably lumped a 7lb penalty to victory at Fontwell yesterday.