Who is in contention for the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday?

Paul Nicholls, on the Grade 1 mark with King George VI Chase hero Bravemansgame and Challow winner Hermes Allen over Christmas and the holiday period, will take aim at more top-level glory at Sandown this weekend with Tahmuras, who is engaged in the Unibet Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (2.25 Saturday).

He has won his last three and was one of 11 entries in the Tolworth, which was captured in devastating style by Constitution Hill 12 months ago.

Nicholls said in his Betfair blog on Monday morning: "It's a Grade 1 and it looks like it will be a good race. He's unbeaten this season and his form is good and solid, while he'll love the testing ground. We're looking forward to him."

Tahmuras is unlikely to have things all his own way as the promising Authorised Speed is also entered, while Luccia, an exciting mare for Constitution Hill's trainer Nicky Henderson, is engaged as well.

Arctic Bresil could represent Henry de Bromhead in the race, which is worth £70,000.

Also on the card is the popular Veterans' Chase Series Final (3.00), sponsored by Unibet, and the £100,000 contest has attracted 19 entries.

Last year's winner Prime Venture could defend his crown, while four 13-year-olds could line up – Crosspark, Indy Five, Sir Ivan and Wishing And Hoping.

Last season's Mares' Novices' Hurdle winner Love Envoi made a winning return at Sandown last month and is once again entered at the Esher track, this time in the Listed Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Mares' Hurdle (12.40). Martello Sky and Indefatigable also feature among the six entries.

The going at Sandown was described as soft over hurdles and soft, good to soft in places on the chase course on Monday, but those conditions could become more testing as 20mm of rain is forecast this week.

Tolworth Hurdle entries

Arctic Bresil Henry de Bromhead
Authorised Speed Gary Moore
Blow Your Wad Tom Lacey
Colonel Harry Jamie Snowden
Joe Dadancer Ben Pauling
L’Astroboy Evan Williams
Luccia Nicky Henderson
Nemean Lion Kerry Lee
Scarface Joe Tizzard
Tahmuras Paul Nicholls
Ukantango Olly Murphy

Unibet Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (2.25 Sandown, Saturday)

Unibet: 2 Tahmuras, 9-4 Luccia, 11-2 Authorised Speed, 6 Arctic Bresil, 12 Blow Your Wad, Nemean Lion, 14 bar

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