'He should be devouring the ground on the final climb' - expert analysis for gruelling Sandown stamina test

Eden Du Houx: has had another wind operation since his last runCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

The Masters usually goes the way of a thorough stayer, as you would expect given Sandown’s renowned stiff uphill finish during a notoriously tricky time of year with the weather, and such a test may expose vulnerabilities in a fair few of these.

Dreaming Blue is a son of Showcasing, who typically sires sprinters and milers. He has well outstayed his pedigree and won over this sort of distance at Ludlow two starts back, but this is a more demanding track and deeper opposition.

Shan Blue has never convinced as a true stayer either. He hasn’t won since before his famous fall in the 2021 Charlie Hall and surely prefers a flatter track.

Eden Du Houx, back from wind surgery but interestingly with two next-time-out victories following the procedure, is 11 and has spent most of his career running over intermediate trips. So has fellow veteran Gustavian, who has registered a sole victory from his past 22 starts.

Unbeaten novice In D’or has made a bright start to his chasing career under David Maxwell, but didn’t prove his stamina in a steadily run small-field Ascot chase two weeks ago. More will be required off 8lb higher, while it is difficult to know how much ability Gelino Bello retains.

He was a Grade 1-winning novice hurdler a few seasons ago, but has run only twice since he departed early in the 2022 Kauto Star. This is his first chase start since and victory would represent a magnificent training feat from Paul Nicholls.

Those seeking a reliable stayer with each-way possibilities should consider O’Connell, who goes from strength to strength. He could hardly have won the Lincolnshire National any easier on Boxing Day and should be devouring the ground on the final climb under Gavin Sheehan, who has partnered a winner and a second from three rides for Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Gelino Bello
I think he’s still on the way back. He’s a better chaser than he was a hurdler and he ran all right the other day. It’s just a shame he’s carrying 12st as he’s not the biggest in the world. Whatever he does he will improve again for the run and we need to know where we’re going with him.

Martin Keighley, trainer of Escaria Ten
He ran a belter in the cross-country race last time and he’ll like the testing ground so he would have a small each-way chance. All roads lead back to the cross-country race at the festival for him.

Sam Twiston-Davies, rider of Gustavian
You’ll have to take my word for it, as he ran in the fog at Aintree last time, but he jumped well on the whole before making a mistake at the last that cost him. If he gets into a good rhythm he would have a good chance

Gavin Sheehan, rider of O’Connell
I won on him at Carlisle the time before last where the stiff uphill finish suited him well so this track should play to his strengths. I’m looking forward to the ride.

David Pipe, trainer of Eden Du Houx
He's not getting any younger, but he'll like the ground. He's had a wind operation since his last run and we're hoping that brings out some improvement.
Reporting by David Milnes

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