Sandown leads the way this afternoon with the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle the main event at 2.25.

There is a small but select field set to line up but there is little doubt that L’ami Serge deserves to be a short-priced favourite based on his two wins at Newbury and Ascot.

Last time out the Nicky Henderson-trained runner saw off the smart Killultagh Vic with a smooth success but that really didn’t add to our knowledge about the horse following his Gerry Feilden win.

The fact that he was beaten several times in France suggests he may have his limitations here but he should get the job done ahead of Ladbroke fourth Shelford.

Of course the selection will start at quite a restrictive price and there are much better value bets on the card starting with William’s Wishes in the 1.50.

The 10-year-old has had little racing in the last 18 months due to injury but showed he retains significant ability when a fair sixth in the Tingle Creek Chase.

Paul Moloney gave the 10-year-old a very sympathetic ride once it was clear he couldn’t play a part in the finish and I think that kindness can be repaid here.

Winner of this race in 2013 off a mark of 144, he is able to race from a rating of 149 here and with two front runners in the field I think that Evan Williams’s charge will get the run of the race from the rear.

The forecast favourite, Mr Mole, is easily opposable having won an egg and spoon race last time out and his position in the market is more due to connections than his ability.

A bigger danger is the progressive Dance Floor King, a fluent jumping, front running eight-year-old on a four timer.

Later on, the old boy First Avenue can return to the scene of his greatest victory — the 2013 Imperial Cup — by landing the 32Red Handicap Hurdle at 3.00.

Now a 10-year-old, he has solid claims off a mark of 137 especially if Tom Cannon can get him jumping fluently in rear off a scorching pace and bring his stamina into play up the final climb.

A drop in weights to 148 gives Unioniste solid claims in the extended three mile handicap chase at 3.35 where he has Relax and Bertie Boru to worry about.

There is some superb sand racing at Lingfield Park today headed by the class two mile and a half event at 2.00.

Castillo Del Diablo has been knocking at the door in recent contests and only needs a good pace to make his class tell.

He gets the nod over Energia Fox, yet to win at this distance but sure to be suited by it, and Godolphin’s Personal Opinion.

Elsewhere, Secondo can mow them down late on in the Lingfield 2.35, while the best bet at Newcastle could be Calculated Risk in the novice chase at 12.30.