Paul Nicholls out to unearth another star with French recruit My Way

2.25 Sandown
Ballymore Winter Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m4f, 4yo+ | RUK

Paul Nicholls has compared My Way to his Supreme Novices' Hurdle winners Noland and Al Ferof and takes the wraps off the exciting French import in the feature race on the first day of Sandown's Tingle Creek meeting.

Although still a maiden after six starts, all at Auteuil, My Way possesses some smart form in France and is pitched straight in at Grade 2 level for his British debut.

Nicholls has fond memories of the race having won it three times in the past, including with Cheltenham Gold Cup hero See More Business and Grand National winner Neptune Collonges.

King crowned again?

With four victories in the last nine years, Alan King has an even better record in the race than Nicholls. He saddles two-time winner Alsa Mix, who is the only mare in the field.

Cheltenham sighter

Darlac: fourth at Cheltenham last monthCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Darlac, who is well-regarded by trainer Colin Tizzard, ran in a similar contest at Cheltenham last month and although beaten into fourth, he stayed on with some promise after the final flight.

What they say

Joe Tizzard, son and assistant to Colin, trainer of Darlac
He ran quite a good race in a similar event at Cheltenham last time and he seems to be improving all the time. The conditions at Sandown should suit him and he looks to have a nice chance in it.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Down The Highway
He was very impressive on his hurdling debut at Lingfield last month, winning by seven lengths on heavy ground. We're stepping him up in class but I think he has a very bright future. He's a strong, galloping sort who won his only start in a point-to-point in February before coming to me.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of My Way
He's a lovely horse who had some really smart form in France. He's taken a little while to acclimatise and get fit but he's there now. We thought we'd stick our toe in the water and see how we go. He's a chaser for next season but we'll win some hurdle races with him this term.

Evan Williams, trainer of Quoi De Neuf
I think he's a nice horse. He won in workmanlike fashion at Aintree and the form hasn't really stood up, but I think he's worth a go in a race like this. I have no fears about him handling the ground.

Alan King, trainer of Alsa Mix
She's unbeaten in two starts but made heavy weather of winning last time, although the ground would have been plenty quick enough for her. She's an Irish point winner and would love a bit of soft ground. She might be flying too high, but if we can get some black type into her that would be great. She'll be suited by the step up in trip.

Another great feat by Pete?

Pete The Feat is still going strong aged 14 and aims to win the amateur riders' handicap chase (3.00) for the second year running.

A two-and-three-quarter length winner of the race a year ago, he is 5lb higher this time in search of a 13th career success.

Pete The Feat goes in search of a 13th career successCredit: Mark Cranham

Trainer Charlie Longsdon said: "He is in great form and seems very well. He won the race last year but has a lot more weight this time.

"I felt sorry for Damien Skehan who gave him a great ride, but we wanted to take seven off his back so we went with another [Peter Mason].

"He has got a lot of weight but so do a lot of them. Fingers crossed he can run another good race."

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