Paul Nicholls and his jockey Christian Williams combined for a double at Exeter on Tuesday.

Such was the strength of the williamhill.com/bonus25 - £25 Free Bet Bonus Novices' Chase, the champion trainer's representative Tchico Polos was sent off a generous 5-1 despite winning three novice hurdles last term.

They established a large lead from the outset and although it had reduced by the home straight, he came in three and three-quarter lengths ahead of the touted Dee Ee Williams (11-4).

Nicholls said: "He has got to be super-fit. He was a little fresh but he's obviously an improving horse and what he'll do now is go for the Henry VIII at Sandown."

Timmy Murphy took a fall from Darstardly Dick and went to hospital for a check-up on a shoulder injury.

After good second places at Sandown in February and on his only other start in France, it was of less surprise to see Nicholls' 4-9 favourite Royal Charm take the Live Casino Games At Williamhill.com Novices' Hurdle pretty easily from General Kutuzov.

Williams said: "We would have been disappointed if he hadn't won like that and he was very babyish in front."

Nicholls added: "He needs to run in a better race - I think there's a good race over two and a half miles on the Friday of the Tingle Creek meeting at Sandown. That might suit."

Moleskin (5-1) and Murphy held on to the 0800 444040 (Bonus25) For £25 Free Bet "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle despite crossing the challenging Watamu Bay with the pair a long way clear.

"He's still very green - I had thought about going over fences after this but I still think he needs another couple of runs over hurdles for experience," explained handler Victor Dartnall.

The Play Poker At Williamhill.com Handicap Hurdle went the way of David Evans' Magnifico (4-1 joint-favourite) while resolute galloper Gentle Ranger (14-1) claimed the 0800 444040 Telephone Betting - Quote Bonus25 Handicap Chase.

Trainer David Pipe said: "He doesn't go very quickly but it can't be soft enough for him."