Punting pointers and trainer views as Blaklion bids for compensation

bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 5yo+ | 3m5f | ITV/RUK

If there had been a market on horses to complete the Grand National two weeks ago, Aintree specialist Blaklion would have been a short price.

But such is the unpredictability of the race that, no sooner had he cleared the first obstacle, he was presented with a sprawling and unavoidable second in Perfect Candidate.

Watch the Grand National replay

A whole season's planning over as soon as famous race had begun.

Fortunately, the last big prize of the jumps season provides the opportunity for at least a measure of recompense and while Blaklion must again carry top weight - he concedes 7lb to his nearest rival Regal Encore in the handicap - the emphasis Sandown places on jumping rhythm should suit the smart chaser.

"He's been superb since Aintree with no worries at all and I'm looking forward to it," said trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

The yard's challenge is ably backed up by Bigbadjohn and Benbens, as Twiston-Davies goes in search of a second win in the race, 18 years after Beau struck as a novice.

Like his stablemate, Bigbadjohn had a brief acquaintance with the Aintree fences before unseating Jamie Bargary at the third in the Topham.

Benbens was beaten three-quarters of a length when fourth in a thrilling finish 12 months ago and has since won the London National over the same course and distance.

Benbens (right, red silks) goes down fighting in a tight finish to last season's bet365 Gold Cup, which was won by Henllan Harri (left, green silks)Credit: Alan Crowhurst

Twiston-Davies added: "Benbens loves the track and I'm expecting a much better run than at Ayr last week. I don't know what went wrong there but we'll try again. Bigbadjohn has a great chance and is really well."

Approach has plenty in his favour

Missed Approach found only future Grand National hero Tiger Roll too good for him over four miles at the Cheltenham Festival in 2017 but made up for that last month when landing the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase under Noel McParlan, who keeps the ride.

Watch Missed Approach win at Cheltenham

That effort crowned a consistent season but has cost him an 8lb rise in the weights.

"He got down to a mark that he was well up to winning under and he's obviously gone back up after Cheltenham," said trainer Warren Greatrex.

"Noel McParland rides again and he claims 3lb so that brings it closer. He had a little break and I think the track will suit him as it's a real jumper's track, while waiting for this race has given him an extra couple of weeks to get over Cheltenham."

Coneygree team hope Step Back steps up

Step Back tackled the Albert Bartlett at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival during his novice hurdling daysCredit: Ian Walton

Step Back ran an eyecatching race when staying on to be third behind Tanit River over three miles at Sandown in February, a run that helped to cement a long-term aim for Mark and Sara Bradstock, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Coneygree in 2015.

Since then the lightly raced eight-year-old has won easily at Fakenham, while the fancy prices available at the beginning of the week have long evaporated.

"This has always been the plan for him and he's in great nick," said assistant trainer Sara Bradstock.

"He's had his problems but seems to have got everything together and hopefully will run a big one. My only worry is he has appeared to be slightly better in small fields, which is why we've put the cheekpieces on him."

What they say

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Theatre Guide and Royal Vacation
Theatre Guide has not been performing at his best this season and is getting older but he was placed in this race last year. It's a similar story with Royal Vacation, who has also been disappointing, but he's in good form at home.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Rock The Kasbah
We were going to go to Cheltenham and then Aintree but both were too soft and we've ended up hanging on for this. It certainly wasn't the plan to hang on for this. The ground will be fine for him and we've put cheekpieces on him as sometimes he hits a flat spot.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Present Man
He's had a nice break and been waiting for better ground. I wouldn't want it to rain too much. He won the Badger Ales Chase nicely. There is a slight issue about the three-mile-five trip, which is why I hope it doesn't rain too much.

Stuart Edmunds, trainer of Domesday Book
He's had two awaydays - one at Towcester and one to Lambourn last week - and has done loads of work, so I can do no more. It's a big ask going back at that level after his time off with a tendon but he seems in rude health at home and we're happy. The atmosphere at those big meetings is a big thing to him, it sets him alight.

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Carole's Destrier and The Young Master
Carole's Destrier is in good order and he just needs better ground so hopefully that's what he'll get. We found out nothing about The Young Master at Ayr but he's going very well at home so I'd like to think he can run a good race.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Sugar Baron
He's a bit of an enigma. He always finishes races rather well but he does get himself too far back sometimes, which doesn't make life easy for himself or his jockey. He might go from 18th to 12th, 12th to fourth or sixth to first. It depends where he is when he starts.

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