Afsoun too strong for Bear at Sandown

Last year´s Champion Hurdle third Afsoun got the better of Straw Bear for a three-and-a-half-length victory in the totepool Contenders Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

The pair jumped the last upsides, only for Nicky Henderson´s runner (2-1) to pull away and deny the Nick Gifford-trained 8-13 favourite.

Totesport trimmed the winner into 25-1 for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, while easing Straw Bear out to the same price from 14s.

Henderson said: "We have got to go for the Champion Hurdle after that but I am not saying he is going to win it.

"He does stay well which is why we tried going further with him but that didn´t seem to work."

Gifford added: "I am obviously disappointed but he got outstayed up the hill and has been beaten by a better horse on the day.

"I will have to let the dust settle and talk to JP McManus´ racing manager, Frank Berry, to see where we go.

"I would say the Kingwell (at Wincanton on February 16) is unlikely."

Silverburn may try to emulate full-brother Denman in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after his all-the-way success in the totesport.com Challengers Novices´ Chase.

Sam Thomas kicked on aboard the 10-11 favourite heading to the Railway fences and he obliged by seven lengths.

Nicholls said: "This was always going to be the race for him - the ground suited him and Hobbs Hill coming out (due to the ground) made it easier. We were more positive with him and he jumped really well.

"He´s in the Arkle and would only go there if it came up bottomless and the SunAlliance is more likely. Three miles around Cheltenham will suit him and he does stay."