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Previews

One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

Son Of Camas (left): was impressive at Newbury on his hurdle debut
Son Of Camas (left): was impressive at Newbury on his hurdle debutCredit: Alan Crowhurst

One trainer

Nicky Henderson said everything that could have gone wrong went wrong for his runners at Cheltenham on New Year's Day so it will be fascinating to see how he bounces back on Saturday.

The five-time champion trainer saddles four at Sandown headlined by Unibet Tolworth Hurdle hope Son Of Camas, who was impressive when winning on his hurdle debut at Newbury in November.

Henderson, who has won four of the last ten runnings of the Grade 1, will also have high hopes for Gunnery (3.35) and Palladium (12.15), while the lightly raced Mill Green (3.35) could prove well handicapped.

One jockey

While most of Britain's leading jockeys set a course for either Sandown or Wincanton on Saturday, champion jockey challenger Brian Hughes will be in action at Newcastle.

The title race continues to be tight, with Richard Johnson just two ahead of Hughes before the commencement of racing on Friday.

Richard Johnson (left) and Brian Hughes (right) are in the midst of a tight battle atop the jockeys' standing
Richard Johnson (left) and Brian Hughes (right) are in the midst of a tight battle atop the jockeys' standingCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

With four booked rides on Saturday, Hughes has a chance to narrow the gap or possibly take the lead from his rival.

Albert's Back was not far behind the useful Good Boy Bobby on his chasing debut at Wetherby in November and shapes as Hughes's best chance of the day.

One horse

Fiddlerontheroof has the opportunity to vault himself into serious Cheltenham Festival conversations should he impress in the Tolworth.

Second behind Challow Hurdle victor Thyme Hill in the Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow in October, Fiddlerontheroof got off the mark over hurdles two starts later with a faultless display at Sandown in December.

The Tizzards maintain staying chases will eventually be his game but for the time being he looks to have all the tools to mix it in top novice hurdles for the rest of this season.

One race

Such was the chaos that marred the end of the London National at Sandown last month, the sad loss of popular veteran Houblon Des Obeaux was somewhat overshadowed.

The course stages its own tribute when it hosts the Unibet Veterans' Chase (3.00) in memory of the 12-year-old, who won the race last season as well as two further contests at Sandown over 65 career starts.

This year's running looks competitive on paper with talented performers Jepeck, King's Odyssey, Theatre Guide and Burtons Well all set to line up in the field of 14.


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Racing Post Reporter

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