Four-year-old gelding Minella Yoga has impressed so far during his career, winning three from four appearances over hurdles plus finishing third in a Cheltenham Grade Two to Maestro Conti. He remains open to showing further improvement, lightly raced and already shaping with great potential, and could be capable of landing this competitive contest under Harry Cobden.
The Paul Nicholls-trained contender won comfortably at Taunton when last seen, justifying short odds of 2/71.29, and is still unexposed making only his fifth racecourse appearance. His half-brother Ninth Titan, who once lined up in St Mark's Basilica's Prix du Jockey Club win, preferred a sounder surface and won over hurdles for Willie Mullins, and with a couple of wins on good ground already, this should perfectly suit the son of Study Of Man.
Back Minella Yoga in 13:45 Sandown
Strike Red finished second in this race 12 months ago from a 12lb higher mark, therefore holds solid each-way claims from his current rating under 3lb claimer Warren Fentiman. He has proven form in the race at Leicester, and could be good enough to make the frame once again despite being a year older as an eight-year-old now.
The likeable performer has amassed plenty of valuable experience over the years and, although lacking consistency in recent runs, proved he still retains plenty of ability when second in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood last summer.
He made a pleasing return to action at Newcastle earlier this month too, and could take a step forward from his reappearance, putting him in with a strong chance of being competitive in this contest for Richard and Peter Fahey.
Back Strike Red E/W in 14:05 Leicester
Likeable gelding Mahons Glory has a bit to find on ratings with the main protagonists as he steps up to Grade Two level, but is a consistent performer who could be capable of outrunning his odds on a going day. He put in an excellent effort to finish second in a novice handicap chase at this meeting last year, chasing home Mark Of Gold to place at a price of 14/115.00.
With course form in his favour as well as a year of experience for Dylan Cunha, for whom he has performed admirably on multiple occasions, the 10-year-old can give a good account of himself under regular rider Lee Edwards on the back of a creditable sixth in the Topham at Aintree.
Back Mahons Glory E/W in 14:20 Sandown
James Tate-trained Caburn is an interesting contender under Hector Crouch having run well in Listed company at Doncaster when last seen. He was able to defy odds of 25/126.00 to place in a competitive contest won by Aramram, with Jasour in second, finishing ahead of Montassib as well as subsequent winner Myal and other talented rivals.
It was a promising performance and one from which the son of Twilight Son can improve further, upped 3lb for the effort now returning into handicap company. He's 8lb higher than his latest handicap win but is still relatively unexposed and this challenge could suit.
The four-year-old holds solid each-way claims following a promising performance, and could be able to make his presence felt in this field.
Back Caburn E/W in 14:35 Haydock
Whilst further improvement is required, JPR One is far from a forlorn hope for Joe Tizzard in this Grade One and could be able to put in a creditable effort under Brendan Powell. The drop back in trip could suit considering he's travelled brilliantly into both of his latest two outings in the Ryanair Chase and Melling Chase respectively.
The nine-year-old has struggled to see out his effort as well as some of his talented rivals, but this is a different challenge and, if still able to perform well after a long season, could finish off his race better over the minimum trip.
Having finished third twice at Grade One level here previously, JPR One has some course form in his favour and, although he'll need to prove himself in this company and reverse form with some of the opposition, he has been running consistently well all term and could have a part to play.
Back JPR One E/W in 14:55 Sandown
From a mark of 144, Henry's Friend could put in an improved performance for Ben Pauling under Ben Jones. He hasn't been seen to best effect in his latest few runs, but is capable of better, and has cheekpieces along with a tongue-tie applied, which could spark some improvement.
The likeable nine-year-old is only 1lb higher than when winning at Ascot in November, beating The Changing Man to prevail at odds of 17/29.50 on that occasion. He has run well at this venue as a novice hurdler, when finishing second in Grade Two company to Henri The Second, and has performed well as a staying chaser since. This challenge should suit Henry's Friend, who makes appeal at the odds as he seeks an eighth career success.
Back Henry's Friend E/W in 15:30 Sandown
In this mile handicap, Hugo Palmer-trained Gold Dawn is one to note under Charles Bishop from a mark of 76. He's still a maiden following seven outings, but has shaped with promise, often making the frame, and remains open to showing further improvement in his first start as a three-year-old.
On debut, the son of Havana Gold finished a length-and-a-quarter second to Morris Dancer, a subsequent Listed winner who was only narrowly denied by the talented Zavateri in the Group Two Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, and is now rated 110.
Gold Dawn finished fifth to recent Newbury winner Stellar Sunrise, now rated 103, on handicap debut, before chasing home now 96-rated Group Three third Wechaad in a Doncaster contest. There's substance to his form and he could be capable of progressing beyond his current rating.
Back Gold Dawn E/W in 15:45 Haydock