2:20 Sandown Tips

Doyen Quest is actually two pounds better off against Quebecois this time, having won by ten lengths at Exeter. He can confirm the form at Sandown, despite Quebecois having needed the run at Exeter in his first chase.

Quebecois was third in a G2 back in Jan and had a good C3 win at 3 miles in April by nearly 5L. He had wind surgery in July and returned from the break last month to a distant C2 second, so should be fit. As I always expect more when second up after surgery and after a break, he gets my vote.

This fella went on to place in a couple of Grade 2 races last season, with one of them coming at this track over a shorter trip than this, albeit (2m 5½f). He bumped into the Nicholls-trained Blueking d'Oroux, beaten just a head. Jumping right at the final flight cost him there. Once headed after the mistake, he battled back to nearly get his head back in front. This hints that a step up in trip would be worth exploring. He had a recent seasonal blowout making his chase debut at Exeter. He finished an honourable 10L third behind Lulamba and Fingle Bridge. Certainly no disgrace there; they are both very decent horses in their own right. Soft ground suits him well if he can see out this trip. I think he could well go in here despite this being a very trappy affair.