8CC 89F8I; <OGI<JJ

)%), DARLAC

– (nb) gave no real indication of above average ability in two point to points and a bumper but Colin Tizzard has clearly got a tune out of him since the switch to hurdles. He came away from a modest six-runner field at Fontwell readily and coped with the huge step up to Grade Two class when fourth behind Coolanly, doing his best work in the closing stages. Has the potential to improve further. quickened up nicely to win both a point and a humble Lingfield race – but this is much tougher.

*%'' MENDIP EXPRESS

–

(treb) is a reliable veteran and twice gave his owner-rider David Maxwell a tremendous spin around the Aintree fences when finishing third and fifth in consecutive Foxhunters’ Chases (2016 and 2017). Scored a penalty kick in a Hexham hunter chase last season when romping home by 64 lengths from Shantou Magic and just ran as if needing the effort in the last quarter-mile of his return in a similar veterans’ event at this course. From the in-form Kim Bailey yard, can make up the forecast.

*%*' MY BROTHER

–

(nap) had a whole raft of runners in front of him turning into the home straight at Cheltenham last time so did very well to finish a rapidly-staying-on second to Red Hot Chilly in a big field. Noel Fehily was on board that day and Robert Dunne therefore has big shoes to fill but his partner will clearly relish the Sandown hill and is the one they have to beat.

from the very capable yard of Richard Spencer, won on the Flat at Windsor in October and looks the principal danger to the selection.