Lavelle hoping Hang In There can take next step in competitive Tolworth

Unibet Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Hang In There takes the next step up to Grade 1 level, having translated an easy win at Exeter into Grade 2 victory at the Cheltenham November meeting when he showed a real burst of acceleration around the home turn to take the race by the scruff of the neck.

He still had three lengths in hand over serial winner Pacify at the line, while third-placed Ecco has run well under a big weight since.

Trainer Emma Lavelle said: "He's a lovely horse who wears his heart on his sleeve. He's a strong traveller and a good jumper. I said before Cheltenham he'd be better on better ground but he handled it okay there and hopefully he’ll do the same here."

Credit: David Cramphorn

Assessing Hang In There's prospects should further rain hit the track, Lavelle added: "It can get very tiring at Sandown but he's got form over two and a half miles in Ireland before we had him, so if it turns into a test of stamina I think that'll be all right. It's another step up in class and we’ll see if he can handle it."

Meet Hang In There's breeder, Daniel Furini

Colin Tizzard has a fine recent record in the Tolworth and fields last-time-out course-and-distance winner Fiddlerontheroof in a bid to add to the 2017 success of Finian's Oscar and last year's victory with Elixir De Nutz.

Fiddlerontheroof was beaten on his first two starts for the yard but the form of his defeat over 2m3½f in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow was advertised by Thyme Hill's win in the Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury last week.

"When he was second to Thyme Hill we chucked him straight in at the deep end and it turned out to be very good form," said assistant trainer Joe Tizzard. "Then he was beaten by Edwardstone, who went on to beat one of ours rated 140 under a penalty at Aintree, so I think the Wincanton race was pretty strong as well. It's another step up and it’s a competitive race.

"We like the fact that he's got a bit of Sandown form because sometimes heavy around there can take a bit of handling for a novice and he proved he handled it well last time. We’re excited about running him."

Son Of Camas opened his account in a Newbury bumper in November and followed up with a debut success over hurdles at the same venue three weeks later.

Son Of Camas: has won both of his starts this seasonCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Buveur D'Air and Lostintranslation both won the same maiden at the start of their hurdling careers and Nicky Henderson will be keen for this early opportunity to establish where Son Of Camas sits in the Seven Barrows pecking order.

Jeremys Flame brings a fair standard of form from mares-only contests in Ireland and most recently at Newbury.

A better leap at the last might have seen her beat Daylight Katie in a Grade 3 at Down Royal before she posted a similarly promising effort when finding only Floressa too good on her first trip to Britain at the end of November.

"It's hard to call where she lies with the geldings," said trainer Gavin Cromwell. "There's a few progressive geldings in there but she's in good nick, gets her mares' allowance and there should be plenty of pace in the race. Hopefully she has a good place chance."

What the other trainers say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Calva D’Auge
He ran well at Haydock and the track was probably a bit sharp for him, so he stayed on well. It’s a slightly better race but a stiffer track will suit him and he has a small outside chance.

Amy Murphy, trainer of Logan Rocks
He’s going to be a big outsider but it’s a small field and he’s a homebred, so he may as well take his chance. He’s been fourth in a Listed bumper and has plenty of experience on his side.

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Silver Hallmark
I’m very excited about running him in a good race at Sandown. His Chepstow form may not have worked out as well as you’d have liked, but he could do no more than win. He’ll go chasing next season and this is another step towards that.

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