Tizzards expecting big run from classy Royal Vacation in marathon test

3.35 Sandown
Betfair London National Handicap Chase | 3m5f, 5yo+ | ITV4/RUK

Judged on the way the runners paddled up the hill in a slow-motion finish to the 3m amateur riders’ handicap chase won by Mendip Express on Friday’s card at Sandown, this extreme stamina test won’t be for the faint-hearted.

Red Infantry and Royal Vacation, the two at the top of the market, should both relish conditions and arrive in top form.

If Red Infantry takes after his relative Red Marauder, an extreme test in bottomless ground should prove tailor-made for him.

The eight-year-old won over 3m4½f on good ground at Haydock last month, and remains relatively unexposed for this type of test off a 5lb higher mark.

Royal Vacation, winner of the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase two years ago, has a touch of class for a marathon performer, and Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father Colin, who trains the eight-year-old, said: “He ran a lovely race last time at Cheltenham.

“Last year was difficult for him for whatever reason, but it looks like he's back on track and we've had this in mind for him since Cheltenham. The trip should suit and we're hoping for a big run.”

That race at Cheltenham was over 3m3½f, and Royal Vacation was staying on up the hill as he chased home Rock The Kasbah.

The handicapper has put him up 3lb for that one and a quarter length defeat, but there could be improvement to come at this trip.

Milansbar, winner of the Grade 3 Classic Chase over 3m5f at Warwick in January, makes his first start of the season.

He bolted up in first-time blinkers by 11 lengths at Warwick, but is now now 7lb higher in the weights.

What they say

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Chase The Spud
He seems in great form. He won first time out last season and then the wheels fell off in the Welsh National. Connor Brace takes off 7lb, and it’s the right race for him. He’ll like the ground; it'll slow everything down.

Phil Middleton, trainer of Exitas
I'd expect conditions to be very testing. That’s a concern as he wouldn’t want it heavy, but he does go on soft. I won the race in 2014 with Tales Of Milan, and I’d love to do so again. For a £50,000 race I’d say it looks very winnable.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Shanroe Santos
He came out of his Fontwell win in the Southern National very well. He’ll love the ground – he finished second in the Sussex National on heavy at the beginning of the year – and he likes the track.

Charlie Mann, trainer of Morney Wing
He wasn’t beaten far in the race two years ago when finishing third. He'll love the ground, and has got no weight. He’s out of the handicap, but you never know.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com