Lyvius ran out a comfortable winner of Newbury's Sportingbet Intermediate Hurdle, better known as the Gerry Feilden.

Nicky Henderson's four-year-old was a 7-2 chance for a Listed race won last year by subsequent Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby, and he was always moving sweetly in the hands of Barry Geraghty.

For a moment at the top of the home straight it appeared the front-running Call Back still had something in reserve and kicked a couple of lengths clear, but Lyvius tracked him and took over the lead three flights from home. Top-weight Edgardo Sol did his best to reel him in after the last, but Lyvius passed the post with two lengths in hand.

Favourite Vendor was again disappointing. He showed smart form last season but was pulled up on his return at Aintree and failed to beat a rival home this time.

Henderson said: "That was a nice performance and he was at the right end of the handicap. He was just a baby last season and when we looked at his form in Germany we came up with the idea that he liked soft ground."

Henderson did not dismiss the possibility of aiming towards The Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot, and added: "Barry thought he would be better in a race with good pace."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests