THE Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown last Friday week went to the gritty Vyta Du Roc, but the eye was drawn to front-running Tara Point, who was having just her second start over hurdles, and arguably did too much on the front end in a race which tested stamina to the limit.

She gave best after the last to Nicky Henderson’s recent Cheltenham winner, with Shantou Bob staying on best of all to force a photo-finish.