Dark Flame now 4-1 to edge Jepeck in veterans' chase

Dark Flame is now as short as 4-1 to land the Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase (2.25) at Sandown, having been available at 6-1 on Friday evening.

The Richard Rowe-trained 11-year-old made his first start in over two years in November, finishing three lengths behind last year's winner Houblon Des Obeaux, and wears cheekpieces for the first time under James Davies.

He is now jockeying for favouritism with Jepeck, who drifted out to 9-2 this morning but is now available generally at 3-1.

Vieux Lion Rouge has also been trimmed to a general 10-1 from 16.

In the feature Grade 1 Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (3.00), Fiddlerontheroof remains the favourite at around 2-1, edging 5-2 shot Son Of Camas.

The going at Sandown is soft, good to soft in places on the chase course with a GoingStick reading of 6.0 this morning. The hurdle course is soft, heavy in places.

The ground is set to be testing and getting to the course is just as tough a challenge for racegoers coming by train with no service to Esher from Waterloo, Clapham Junction or Wimbledon. This is due to engineering works. There are rail replacement buses.

Non-runners

Newcastle Pookie Pekan (1.30)
Lingfield Inaam (1.45)
Kempton Astromachia (6.40)

Get exclusive insight from the track and live tipping with Raceday Live - our up-to-the-minute service on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app