NICHE MARKET'S second to Willyanwoody in the Duchy of Cornwall Challenge Cup Beginners' Chase at Exeter was a major boost for Bob Buckler last week.

Ahead of a tricky weekend in which stable leaders I Hear Thunder and Mossville failed to get competitive at Aintree and Fixed Interest and Double The Trouble disappointed in a novice hurdle at Wincanton, the Melplash trainer was buoyed by the promising display from his six-year-old bay gelding.

Niche Market was purchased for 50,000 guineas in May 2006 but after disappointing on his only start over hurdles for Stoke Bliss trainer Karen Waldron he was sent pointing.

Then after a victory between the flags at Barbury Castle, near Marlborough in Wiltshire, he was snapped up at the Cheltenham sales.

Buckler saw Niche Market as an ideal chaser and worked hard with him before his debut for the yard at Exeter last Tuesday.

And despite the highly-regarded Paul Nicholls charge Willyanwoody taking control of the racing early on Niche Market chased the leading bunch gamely.

Jockey Daryl Jacob began to drive him forward five fences from home and with three left to jump he had leapt into second spot, which he held to the line, 22 lengths behind the impressive winner.

Niche Market is only the second horse of Buckler's to be placed in the first month of the campaign and he will be keen for the ground to soften up quickly to get the remainder of his string into action.

After a promising debut season over hurdles Mossville reappeared over fences in the Win At intercasino.co.uk Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday but fell at the fourth.

And I Hear Thunder was eased back into action over hurdles following a leg injury. But after featuring prominently to the fourth from home in the intercasino.co.uk Novices' Handicap Hurdle he weakened as the pace was stepped up.

Fixed Interest and Double The Trouble went to post for the Abbey Manor Group "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Wincanton on Sunday but were well beaten in 11th and 12th.

Fellow West Dorset trainer Anthony Honeyball cashed in with Manly Money at Exeter last week.

Honeyball, who is based near Beaminster, was delighted to see his nine-year-old bay gelding get up to beat Cossack Dancer by a head in the IJF Handicap Chase.

Prior to the race their had been doubts over his inconsistent jumping but under a brilliant ride by Robert Thornton he jumped beautifully to the front before the last and despite a minor mistake held off his rivals.