Williams eyeing payday with conditions in Otago Trail's favour

Betfred Masters Handicap Chase | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV4/RUK

Otago Trail, one of Venetia Williams's soft ground specialists, will try to capitalise on the testing conditions as he seeks his second valuable prize of the winter.

Just a fortnight ago he found Bristol De Mai 22 lengths too good for him in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock but had beaten that rival when he captured the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in November.

Back on the menu

Loose Chips is a four-time winner over the trip and has won twice over course and distance at which he is yet to finish out of the frame in five attempts. He was only narrowly beaten here by stablemate Pete The Feat when third in the Veterans' final last month.

Soft spot

Turban gained three of his four wins for Willie Mullins on soft or heavy going and has tumbled to his lowest mark for new trainer Paul Henderson, who is part way to enjoying his best campaign.

What they say

Venetia Williams, trainer of Otago Trail
It is only a couple of weeks after Haydock but he seems to have come out of the race well. He enjoys soft ground and as we can't be sure how long it will be around, we are taking him here. He has plenty of weight but he has earned it.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Irish Saint
Irish Saint ran well over hurdles last time and should come a lot for that. There is a question mark over the trip but he needs experience over fences.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Rock The Kasbah
He probably needs three miles, I didn't want to take on Calett Mad at Wetherby and there is better prize-money. I am hoping he will be competitive off the mark he has.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Loose Chips
He loves it round Sandown and always runs his race. He always puts in a bold effort and should run another good race.

Gary Moore, trainer of Antony
I think I ran him back too quick last time. He always runs best fresh which is why he hasn't run for a while. Otherwise track, trip and ground should be right up his street.