As the Punchestown Festival rounds off in County Kildare, so on Saturday sees one of the final National Hunt racecards of the season at Sandown.
Headlined by the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase, the Oaksey Chase and another Grade 1 contest are on the menu in the suburbs of the capital.
With some recent big performers in town looking for a big win to cap the term, who should punters look to?
So with seven races over the jumps, here are our picks.
13:40: Editeur Du Gite: Celebration Chase, (1m7½f)
As the first of two Grade 1 races on Saturday, the Celebration Chase kicks off 75 minutes of elite competition as the irrepressible Jonbon will go off the strong favourite.
However, we can’t but help go back to the appeal of Editeur Du Gite.
A horse who likes the suburban London tracks, the 9yo’s win at Kempton over Christmas in the Desert Orchid still shines like a beacon.
Jonbon won here at Sandown on this trip back in December by eight lengths, but will be more sorely tested in a bigger field of better racers – unlike his 43-length romp at Aintree.
This looks a really competitive contest with both Rachael Blackmore and Harry Cobden in the field; that should propel Editeur Du Gite to a big race.
The gelding who toppled both Edwardstone and Energumene on Cheltenham Trials weekend, Niall Houlihan usually gets the best from his mount in a stellar field.
We feel that should occur again and at 11/2 with Betfred carries ample value.
14:15: Certainly Red: Gold Cup Handicap Chase, (3m4½f)
In the main event of Saturday, Kittys Light is the understandable favourite after winning the Scottish National at Ayr last weekend.
However, over the modified trip here, the 7yo of Christian Williams is untested at this distance.
Instead, for a little more value, Certainly Red‘s more recent form is worthy of merit.
Having won three of the last four contests, the Venetian Lad-owned runner was less than impressive last time out at Ascot, but has a win at Sandown this term.
Though, like Kittys Light, there may be concerns – this time over a few furlongs greater – but has form figures of 241111 over Chase starts.
Hovering in the region of 10/1 with BoyleSports, Certainly Red and Caoilin Quinn can put on a definitive big-race showing this weekend.
14:50: Hewick: Oaksey Chase, (2m6½f)
Looking to win on Sandown Gold Cup Day for the second year running, Hewick looks a good bet for the Oaksey.
Winner of last year’s Gold Cup at 16/1, having sidestepped the Punchestown Gold Cup won sensationally by 28/1 shot Fastorslow, the focus of trainer JJ Hanlon is all on this.
Also pulled out of Cheltenham due to the ground, this will be Hewick’s first outing since an impressive trip in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
On that day back in March, despite falling late on was prominent and looked set for a top-three finish at another big price.
His win in the US National beforehand saw entry for the big one in Gloucestershire and the Irish gelding will be champing at the bit.
A far shorter shorter price this time around though, could a certain ms. Blackmore get the best from him?
Hewick is currently 6/5 with BetVictor.
