Punting pointers and trainer quotes as Step Back bids for another Sandown prize

3.35 Sandown
Betfair London National Handicap Chase | 3m5f, 5yo+ | ITV4/RTV

This midwinter version of the season-ending bet365 Gold Cup over the same course and distance has attracted a host of Sandown specialists.

Topping the bill is the 2018 bet365 Gold Cup winner Step Back, who was a gallant third in defence of his title in April.

There are positive vibes emanating from the Bradstock camp as the nine-year-old returns after a second wind operation and refreshed after a troubled end to last season.

Sara Bradstock said: "Considering he hurt his foot in the Grand National he had an in-and-out prep for Sandown [three weeks later] and still ran a good race on ground that was too fast for him.

Step Back: winner of the bet365 Gold Cup in 2018Credit: Mark Cranham

"I think he has been helped by the wind op judging by how he is at home and he would be fitter than for his first run last year.

"We're looking forward to it and he likes going right-handed but are just worried it might be very tacky ground first time back but it is a drop in class."

Ben has a classic chance

Classic Ben has been shading favouritism in an open market since 23 were entered for the race and trainer Stuart Edmunds is upbeat about the six-year-old's chances.

"He will come on for his last run and I'm very happy with him, said Edmunds. "I think he will get the trip as he looks to have more to give at the finish of his races and the track suits him."

Strong winning claims

Riders with claims have won this race for the last three years with Rex Dingle, amateur Zac Baker and Jack Sherwood starring and there are three contenders this time around.

Stan Sheppard rides Coningsby, who unseated him at the first last time at Ascot after they had won at Exeter last season.

Trainer Tom Lacey said: "The race is tailormade for him. He is stepping up in trip but that should suit him as he's a dour stayer and he loves his jumping. I think he has a great chance."

Hugh Nugent claims 5lb off Houblon Des Obeaux and is hoping it will be third time lucky on the veteran, who won a November qualifier for the veterans' chase here.

Trainer Venetia Williams said: "It looks a very competitive race but we tend to see him run his better races at Sandown. He's got it all to do. The race he won there last month wasn't as competitive as this and the handicapper hasn't missed him."

Philip Donovan is reunited with Doing Fine, a neck second in this race three years ago, and one of two contenders for Neil Mulholland, who also runs the 2015 winner Carole's Destrier.

Mulholland said: "They have a bit of form around the track so I hope they will run well. They'd prefer better ground but have form on good to soft."

What they say

Joe Tizzard, assistant to Colin Tizzard, trainer of Royal Vacation
It was a good run in the Badger Beer and he runs well when everything clicks for him. He's always in a competitive league so every race is hard for him but we're hopeful of a good run.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Dragon D’Estruval
We were thinking we’d go for the Becher Chase with him but then decided this was a better race to target him at. We think the track and course will suit him and he should stay too.

Sue Smith, trainer of Sharp Response
He ran a cracking race at Haydock last time and we decided this was the better way to go with him rather than going to Kelso. I think the trip and the track will suit.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Shanroe Santos
He has come on for his last run. The ground should suit him and he has run well at the course so we are hopeful.

Rathlin Rose (far right): sixth in the Velka Pardubicka in OctoberCredit: Justin Setterfield

David Pipe, trainer of Rathlin Rose
He likes the course and ran well in the Velka Pardubicka a couple of starts back. That said, there’s a chance this trip may stretch him a bit but given he likes the course so much we thought it was well worth giving it a go.

Richard Rowe, trainer of Dark Flame
I was delighted with his run last time after he got messed around early. Some pundits said he didn't stay the trip but I'm not worried about stepping up from three miles with him. Provided he doesn't bounce after his long lay-off and I've given him plenty of time I think he's got a good chance as he's reasonably handicapped.

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