Barton gave his supporters the odd heart murmur en route to justifying warm favouritism in the Grade Two Bovis Europe Winter Novices' Hurdle at distinctly unwarm Sandown Park.

Travelling strongly towards the outside for Lorcan Wyer, the five-year-old still had a firm grip of his bridle when jumping to the front at the penultimate flight.

But his backers gave more than the odd twitch as King's Road closed the gap up the hill. However, there was still half a length to spare for Barton at the line.

Timmy Murphy missed out on his first winner for new boss Jim Old since their partnership was made official as Native King made an impressive hurdling debut in a novices' hurdle.

The Irishman missed his rides both yesterday and today after suffering chest injuries in a fall at Leicester yesterday.

This left the way clear for Jim Culloty to step in and he made full use of the opportunity. He doubled up on Sounds Like Fun in the Bovis Crowngap Handicap Chase.