Ascot victory for Nicholls

Paul Nicholls is tempted to preserve Sonofvic for a chasing campaign next season after he maintained his unbeaten record under Rules in the Espirito Santo Investment Bank Novices' Hurdle at Ascot today.

Nicholls' 3-1 shot got off the mark at Chepstow in November but had to show battling qualities to get the better of 13-8 favourite Tornado Bob by two lengths.