Rex Dingle hoping for another showpiece Sandown win aboard Jepeck

Rex Dingle, back in top form following a neck injury which ruled him out for over four months last summer, is hopeful of clinching a big-race Sandown victory in front of the ITV cameras on Saturday.

Jepeck, on whom the talented conditional has already won three times, could start favourite for the £100,000 Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase.

Dingle rode the Charlie Mann-trained Morney Wing to a thrilling victory in another famous staying chase, the London National, at the Surrey track last season, so is no stranger to big-race success there.

“Jepeck has been in very good form so far this season, and must have a solid chance,” Dingle said.

“It would be nice to land a big race for Anthony Honeyball after going close in another valuable one aboard Acey Milan at Haydock a few weeks ago.

“Jepeck is a lovely horse who stays well, and we hope Sandown will suit him.”

Dingle enjoyed a breakthrough 2018-19 campaign with 32 winners, and has quickly resumed his progress this term.

He moved onto the 12-winner mark when Enry Iggins triumphed at Hereford on Friday, and travels to Sandown with his confidence sky-high.

“It was always going to be harder for me this season – even without the injury,” Dingle said. “My claim is down to 3lb now, but I am being well supported by Anthony, Jeremy Scott and Robert Walford.

“I’ve been getting plenty of rides, and I’m happy with how things are going. It’s a big prize at Sandown, and it would be great if Jepeck could pull it off.”

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