Overview
- Sandown stages the National Hunt season closer on Saturday, with the bet365 Gold Cup and the Grade 1 Celebration Chase topping the card.
- The ground is officially good, good to firm in places after further watering, Clerk Andrew Cooper said, which can reward speed and slick jumping.
- Late withdrawals reshaped the programme, as Kabral Du Mathan and Altobelli came out of the Select Hurdle, leaving four runners and elevating Jingko Blue to favouritism.
- The bet365 Gold Cup, a 3m4½f handicap for staying chasers, features Montregard at the head of a competitive market with Havaila, Resplendent Grey and Kim Muir winner Ask Brewster among leading fancies.
- Jonbon leads the Celebration Chase lineup, and Thistle Ask for Dan Skelton is viewed as a live threat as the trainer nears the £5 million champion‑trainer milestone.