'The stiff nature of the track will suit him well - and he has a progressive profile'

The last running of this race in 2023 proved strong form, with Certainly Red beating Gemirande. That was before the introduction of Premier meetings, so the race is now worth more than twice as much and you would hope the strength of form carries on.

There is clear hope of that, contained primarily in the progressive Hunter Legend and Roccovango. Both are late bloomers of one type or another. Hunter Legend started to shoot forward from the spring and has won three of his last five. He hit the line hard at stiff, right-handed Leicester last week so should have few issues with Sandown.

Roccovango is a novice, but turned nine on New Year's Day. He has taken extremely well to fences, winning two of three and being nosed out by Guard Your Dreams on the other run. He had time to wear the last and still win at Uttoxeter last time.

That was over three miles, but with Roccovango having form over shorter and Sandown in midwinter often posing a tough test that is of little concern. It might be more of a hindrance to some of the two-milers stepping up in trip. The Dan Skelton-trained pair of Unexpected Party and Etalon in particular are not natural candidates to thrive at this distance.

Triple Trade might be. He made his name as a two-miler, but as he has put his weak-finishing past behind him and crept up the weights he has looked in need of a return to further. It was his general finishing effort, rather than stamina that used to beat him at this sort of distance. He is well handicapped now and may be the one to give the improvers most to think about as they vie for a first prize pushing £21,000.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

Skelton hopefulfor Etalon

Etalon is edging back towards his last winning mark and trainer Dan Skelton is hopeful he will benefit for today's step up in trip.

The eight-year-old has been set some stiff tasks this season, including when contesting the Haldon Gold Cup on his return. He failed to beat a rival in that contest at Exeter.

Harry Skelton and Etalon won around Sandown last seasonCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Harry Skelton had a rare day off on Friday but will be gunning for some more points in the David Power Jockeys' Cup on the possible favourite, who was a course winner over a shorter trip last season off 131, 4lbs below his current mark.

Trainer Dan Skelton said: “Stepping up in trip could be a positive for Etalon, so with a bit of luck he can go well around there."

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Unexpected Party
I feel the handicapper has got Unexpected Party too high, but he's got some nice form and shouldn't be disgraced.

Harry Derham, trainer of Hubrisko
He was in need of his first run for us over hurdles at Newbury when he was back from a long time off. He's back over fences and jumps very well, but I expect he will need another run to put him straight. Hopefully he can run a nice race.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Roccovango
The stiff nature of the track will suit him well. He's back in trip, so hopefully he can overcome that. He has a progressive profile and would have a good each-way chance in the race.
Reporting by David Milnes

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