Despite the short price, I have SOBER GLORY as the clear horse to beat in the opener at Sandown. The five-year-old Mount Nelson gelding made the perfect transition to hurdling, with an emphatic 12-length success at Chepstow. The fourth, who was beaten nearly 30 lengths, has subsequently given the form a boost, by winning next time. He is now 4-4 under rules and has winning form on soft ground. I expect him to have too much class for his opposition.

The exciting novice chaser, LULAMBA, can remain unbeaten over fences. The Grade One winner over hurdles made an outstanding start to his fencing career, with an easy 10-length win at Exeter. He brings a high standard to this contest, and despite a couple of decent rivals, should be able to continue his upward trajectory for trainer, Nicky Henderson. Soft ground won’t faze him, as a heavy-ground scorer in France.

SUNSET MARQUESA is by far the most intriguing runner, in this 2m4f handicap hurdle. The Joe Tizzard-trained runner made a pleasing seasonal return, when third at Exeter. She could improve for that outing – especially raised in distance – given her running-on style over shorter journeys. I expect her to appreciate the testing conditions, having already won on a heavy surface at Ffos Las.

This prestigious race is run over the Grand National fences. GABORIOT holds solid claims, if able to replicate his excellent second over the same fences last time. A confirmed stayer, he kept on well over the 2m5f that day, indicating a return to this longer trip will certainly be a positive. He ought to be bang in contention, with a clear round of jumping.

From a form perspective, RAMBO T is at the top of my shortlist, in this competitive 2m4f handicap hurdle. The six-time scorer over the smaller obstacles produced a career best, when winning at Chepstow last time. He narrowly beat an outsider that day, but the form is working out tremendously – the runner-up has won his last two starts – in Listed company. We may not have reached the ceiling of Rambo T’s ability, and I’m backing him to at least reach the placings. 

A tricky staying chase to conclude the card at the Esher venue, but TANGANYIKA has placed form over further than this, which ought to stand him in good stead. The Martaline gelding is expected to improve from a fair Cheltenham fifth on reappearance, too. O’Connell is the obvious improver, and main danger, having already proved himself at this venue.