HOORAY HENRI!

Hurdler on the up can be king at Sandown

- JASON HEAVEY

HENRI THE SECOND (3.07, nb) should be the first name on punters' betting slips at Sandown.

The eight-year-old was one of the easiest winners you will see when sauntering to success over the course and distance in December.

He made light work of the testing conditions to win by 18 lengths and the handicapper could have been tougher on him instead of just an 8lb rise.

Paul Nicholls' beast should do the business in the Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle.

O'CONNELL (3.42, nap) is an improving staying chaser and has recorded back-to back victories at Carlisle and Market Rasen.

A right-hand track clearly suits the nine-year-old and Sue Smith and Joel Parkinson have aspirations of him developing into a Grand National horse.