The Briefing: get ready as the Kingmaker heads to Sandown

The pick of today's action comes from Sandown, where eight races are headlined by the rescheduled Kingmaker Novices' Chase (1.50). Amy Murphy will be hoping Kalashnikov can rediscover his winning form after the six-year-old surrendered his undefeated chasing record in December's Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton.

Elsewhere at Sandown, talented mares Queenohearts and Danse Idol get ready to do battle in the mares' novices hurdle (2.25) and Rathlin Rose goes for a third successive victory in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup (3.00) in the hands of Guy Disney.

Fakenham is today's other jumps offering, while Flat fans are spoilt for choice with three all-weather meetings from Lingfield, Newcastle and Dundalk.

Going report

Sandown (first race at: 12.50)
Soft, good to soft in places on the chase track and soft, heavy in places on the hurdle course (GoingStick: 6.3 (chase), 5.2 (hurdle) at 9.00am on Thursday)

Fakenham (1.40)
Good to soft, good in places (GoingStick: 6.0 at 8.00am on Thursday)

Lingfield (2.00)
Standard

Newcastle (4.45)
Standard to slow

Dundalk (5.00)
Standard

Market movers

12.50 Sandown - Dorking Cock 5-1 (from 11-2)
4.05 Sandown - Darius Des Bois 7-2 (from 4-1)
5.30 Dundalk - Laethanta Saoire 7-1 (from 5-1)

What to back

Maddy Playle likes the look of this seven-year-old at Sandown

What to read

The BHA confirms additional fixtures at the end of February.

Lee Mottershead assesses racing's handling of the equine flu crisis

Rummy the dog jumps for glory at Newcastle.

What to watch

Catch up with Sam Twiston-Davies who dropped into the Racing Post offices on Thursday.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Final thought

Although many will be hoping for a reprisal of Rathlin Rose's two previous triumphs in the Royal Artillery Cup, this looks set to be the 11-year-old's toughest test to date. Not only is he a year older, but he now faces a larger group of younger, more battle-hardened rivals than he has before. This group is headlined by the consistent Carlos De Fruitier, whose good performances in handicaps at Kempton, Ascot and Newbury make him a serious threat.

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