Halo looks to set up double for Nicholls

Broken Halo can bring up a Sandown double for Paul Nicholls and rider Jody Sole in the Grand Military Gold Cup.

Nicholls and Sole are established allies in the Esher contests restricted to riders from the forces – and they again found the winning groove with this gelding in last month's Royal Artillery Gold Cup.

While it was not the most stylish of jumping rounds – notably when Broken Halo whacked the last and Sole lost both his irons – the pair had more than enough in hand to deal with that blunder and still prevail by eight and a half lengths from Rolling Dylan.

Broken Halo may even have been value for the margin as he looked to idle a bit and it was a welcome first win in nearly a year.

That was only his eighth chase start too, so there is every chance Broken Halo still has a bit in reserve.

Gamaret is another who fits the tag of likely improver ahead of the Cardinal Wolsey Handicap Chase.

Winner of a bumper and one of his two hurdles outings for Venetia Williams, Gamaret made a successful start over fences with victory at Newbury on New Year's Eve.

He was virtually foot-perfect at the first attempt and came home just over two lengths clear, with the distance probably not quite doing justice to the ease of his victory.

Hiked 7lb for the win, Gamaret might not be done with yet.

Authorised Speed should take all the beating in the Spectra Group 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.

Gary Moore's charge advertised his class when the first British horse home in last season's Champion Bumper and looked the real deal in winning his first two outings over hurdles.

The wheels came off in the Tolworth, but he was found to be wrong afterwards and in case that was a very strong renewal.

He encounters calmer waters in this engagement and should enjoy a confidencebooster.

Justcallmepete has been a revelation this winter, winning four on the bounce and finishing second the last twice.

He lines up in the Spreadex Sports Get £50 In Bonuses Handicap at Southwell after his latest near-miss, when going down by half a length to Zip over the same seven furlongs he faces here.

James Evans' runner can be relied on to put up another good show.

Covert Mission is another who returns to the Nottinghamshire circuit on the back of a second at the track.

He contests the Spreadex

Sports Best Premier League Odds Handicap and must be a live contender for Kevin Philippart de Foy.