With Ruby Walsh on the sidelines, Sam Thomas despatched to Chepstow and Tony McCoy claimed by Jonjo O'Neill, Paul Nicholls turns to Christian Williams for the ride on Tchico Polos in Sandown's Listed Handicap Hurdle (3.05).

Tchico Polos has never been headed in two races for Nicholls and beat Ravello Bay, who admittedly broke a blood vessel, by 21 lengths at Wincanton last time out.

The handicapper has not been harsh putting Tchico Polos on a mark of 127 and he can complete a hat-trick at the expense of Sunnyhillboy and Spear Thistle, who are also seeking their third successive wins.

Sunnyhillboy took a decent handicap at Cheltenham recently but, off a 10lb higher mark, will find things tougher here.

Spear Thistle won well off a mark of 112 at Uttoxeter last month, but he again is 10lb higher and this looks a far tougher assignment.

However, Tchico Polos has the profile of a progressive youngster who could notch up a sequence of wins before his colours are lowered.