The covers are set to come off as Sandown prepares for a most unusual Grade 1

Frost covers Sandown 6.12.14 Pic: Edward Whitaker

Parts of Sandown have been kept protected from potential frosts in advance of Saturday's cardCredit: Edward Whitaker

On what now feels like a sadly familiar sort of Saturday, we can fire up our enthusiasm by looking forward to a very different Saturday showpiece. The opening Grade 1 of 2021 certainly looks nothing like most of those we witnessed in 2020.

With Cheltenham having bitten the dust, the first major show in the British jumps season is instead set to take place at Sandown.

One of the sport's greatest homes will be without spectators, owners and bookmakers, but there will be fabulous entertainment, thanks to some of racing's most popular golden oldies and a group of potential young stars, one of whom could kick off the new year by providing connections with an altogether new experience.

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Lee MottersheadSenior writer

Published on 1 January 2021inPreviews

Last updated 13:39, 2 January 2021

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