Emma Lavelle's smart hurdler Crack Away Jack was an easy winner on his chasing debut at Sandown on Saturday.

Last season's Champion Hurdle fourth took to the larger obstacles immediately and never looked in danger of disappointing those who sent him off as 1-5 favourite in the three-runner Mick Core 50th Birthday Beginners' Chase.

Settled in the rear by Noel Fehily in the early stages as the outsider of three Mister Matt took them along, Crack Away Jack was always travelling well within himself and jumping for fun.

Soon eased to the lead as his rivals made jumping errors, Crack Away Jack eventually scored by 17 lengths from 9-2 chance Calusa Crystal.

Lavelle said: "He was half asleep in the early stages but he warmed to his task going to the Pond Fence and jumped the last few well.

"We'll discuss where we go next but he might come back here in December for the Henry VII Novices' Chase."

The five-year-old is now disputing Arkle Trophy favouritism at the Cheltenham Festival with Sizing Europe at around 7-1.

Sky Bet left Crack Away Jack unchanged at 8-1 for the Arkle and their spokesman Matt Doyle said: 'Although he did it well enough at a difficult track for a novice, he scared away any serious opposition and it would be hard to justify a cut in his Festival odds at this stage.'