Keith Melrose with expert analysis on the race that made way at the festival

Paddy's Rewards Club Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed) | 5yo+ | 0-145 | 2m4f | ITV4/RTV

This race was run three times at the Cheltenham Festival as a 0-145, attracting full fields each time. Of the ten declared for this first running at Sandown, only the top two on the racecard – Stratagem and Annsam – would have ever got a run at Cheltenham.

That lays bare the difference in appeal when a win at Cheltenham is not on offer, although we have at least been spared the occasionally unsightly clamour to keep certain Graded-class novice chasers' marks below the 145 ceiling.

That is not to say a large chunk of these runners have not been carefully plotted to this point. Four of the runners have had three runs over fences, the minimum allowed under the race conditions, while another has had just one start of any description in Britain.

The relatively new arrival is Farinet, who ran five times in chases in France before moving to Venetia Williams. His stable debut came after seven months off and he shaped promisingly without being given a hard time once held.

He will improve on his French form – all indications from there are that he will need to – and the main unknown is whether that development comes in the short or longer term.

Venetia Williams saddles French import Farinet at Sandown on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

While the field might be smaller than in this race's former guise, a solid gallop would appear to be virtually ensured. Stratagem, Annsam, Lust For Glory and High Up In The Air have been consistently ridden positively over fences and No Getaway made all last time.

Apart from anything else, it suggests a different set of circumstances from when Belargus won over 1m7½f here last time, after Niall Houlihan seized the initiative off a moderate pace. In theory, a good gallop ought to suit this occasional free-goer, so long as his jumping can hold up.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

Wadham backs 'rock-solid' Admiral Barratry to show up well

Admiral Barratry looked all over a chaser in the making when a staying-on sixth in the EBF Novice Hurdle Final on this day two years ago, but it has required plenty of patience on the part of Lucy Wadham to see him begin to fulfil that promise.

More than 600 days on the sidelines followed the end of that campaign but the Soldier Of Fortune gelding has made smart progress in three starts over fences in company with Bryony Frost, breaking his duck at Fakenham before just failing to follow that up on a return to the Norfolk track when shouldering 12 stone.

Wadham said: "His form is rock solid and the horse he only just failed to give over a stone to last time at Fakenham [Fire Away] then bolted up while Corrany, who he beat the time before, has also won since.

Lucy Wadham is confident Admiral Barratry's jumping will be an asset at Sandown on SaturdayCredit: Dan Abraham

"We've had this race in mind for about a month as he is a fantastic jumper. Jumping is his asset and the track should play to his strengths, but it is a competitive open looking race."

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Stratagem
He's progressing nicely and the form of his Doncaster win has been franked. Whether 145 is a true reflection at this stage, I'm not sure, but he’s a lovely horse.

Evan Williams, trainer of Annsam
He's an interesting one. He won a 'no contest' at Ludlow and the handicapper decided to put him up by 12lb, which surprised me. The handicapper is right 99.9 per cent of the time, and I hope he's right this time. Annsam is a nice, big horse.

Dan Skelton, trainer of No Getaway
He won over course and distance last time. This brings different competition and a different type of ground but he's in good form at home. He jumped round there nicely and he looked a progressive chaser.

Gary Moore, trainer of High Up In The Air
He's gone up 9lb for winning a bad race at Fontwell which fell apart. The key to him is that he started out on the right mark and we've placed him to win some poor races. As a result, his confidence is high, and I'm sure he'll run well again.
Reporting by Scott Burton

Read a selection of our Saturday previews . . .

2.25 Sandown: 'It was a terrible race at Plumpton' – Gary Moore on his Imperial Cup favourite

To win pounds for Cheltenham, you need to worry about pounds in hand at Sandown (Members' Club)

1.50 Sandown: Richard Birch believes a step up in trip will be key to his EBF Final fancy

Saturday Jury: 'I expect a big run from her' – broadcaster Oli Bell fancies one at Sandown (Members' Club)

2.05 Wolverhampton: strong field of specialists assemble for a rare opportunity in Lady Wulfruna

2.40 Wolverhampton: pedigree points to smart turf performer improving on the all-weather

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