NICKY Henderson was still on a post-Cheltenham break in Switzerland, so missed 1-9 favourite Lyvius enjoy a straight-forward victory in the TurfTV Novices' Hurdle at Warwick.
Lyvius' place in the Cheltenham squad was revoked when he failed to beat Gottany O's in a Triumph Hurdle prep-run at Newbury, but he proved far too good in the TurfTV Novices' Hurdle.
Already a winner on his British debut at Kelso, the David Bass-ridden Lyvius did not extend himself to draw five lengths clear of Beggar's Velvet on the run-in.
Henderson's assistant, Ben Pauling, said: "That was as expected, really.
"He still didn't jump brilliantly, he's still a bit big and bold, but when he got in tight to them he was a bit slicker.
"I imagine he'll go for a better race now, maybe at Aintree or in a decent handicap somewhere."
Elsewhere at the meeting, Alan Jarvis maintained his 100 per cent record this jump season courtesy of a bloodless success for Bow To No One.
The shrewd Buckinghamshire trainer has only saddled two runners over the sticks, with another useful Flat performer Right Step winning at Kempton last weekend.
Bow To No One, who was last seen in action in the Cesarewitch, had been introduced gently to jumping in three novice races the previous spring but still went off the 5-4 favourite for the Whitson Bloodstock Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
She never gave her followers a moment's worry in coasting 10 lengths clear under Barry Keniry.
Jarvis' son Tom said: "She had been a bit unlucky over hurdles as she had been hampered when horses fell in front of her, but she's grown up a bit now.
"She's my dad's favourite horse, so he'll be sorry he wasn't here."
Joe Cornwall lost his 7lb claim with a polished front-running ride on Hever Road (13-2) in the Tribute To Molson Coors Customers Handicap Chase.
Derbyshire trainer David Pearson was running his entire string at Warwick, with Ballycracken also fourth on the card.
A partnership between Republic of Ireland international footballers John O'Shea and Stephen Hunt bore fruit in the Willerby Holiday Homes Maiden Hurdle when Leath Acra Mor (15-2) got the best of a final struggle with Orangeaday.
"He found two miles too sharp, so a longer trip and a more positive ride have helped," said trainer Ian Williams.
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