Haggas aims for Mile joy with Addeybb

WILLIAM HAGGAS is optimistic Addeybb can continue his progression through the ranks and take a step up in class in his stride in today’s bet365 Mile at Sandown.

After running out an impressive winner of the Lincoln on his seasonal return, the four-year-old son of Pivotal, which holds top-level entries in the Lockinge and Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, tests Group Two waters for the first time.

“He seems very well. There is a bit of rain forecast, so the ground will be slow and that will suit him. It is a big step up in class, but we think he is ready to try something like this.”

At Sandown tomorrow, Nicky Henderson’s Altior will face five rivals when he defends his crown in the Celebration Chase.

The eight-year-old missed the first half of the campaign following a well-publicised breathing issue, but has proved since the turn of the year he has lost none of his brilliant ability, winning twice – including a convincing win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

Irish hopes rest on the Henry de Bromhead-trained Special Tiara. The 11-year-old claimed this prize in 2015, but was no match for Altior 12 months ago and was pulled up when bidding for successive Champion Chase wins.

Paul Nicholls saddles recent Aintree scorer Diego Du Charmil and San Benedeto. Tom George’s God’s Own and Ar Mad from Gary Moore’s yard complete the line-up.

A full field of 20 has been declared for the bet365 Gold Cup, headed by Blaklion. The Nigel Twiston-Daviestrained nine-year-old was brought down at the first fence in the Grand National and makes a swift return under top weight.

Twiston-Davies has a strong hand with course-and-distance winner Benbens and Bigbadjohn also in contention. Other leading hopes include Warren Greatrex’s Kim Muir hero Missed Approach, the Philip Hobbstrained Rock The Kasbah and The Young Master, winner of this race two years ago for Neil Mulholland.