Sandown Park hosts Unibet Veterans’ Chase Day on Saturday 3 January, with gates opening at 10:35am. The first race goes off at 12:15pm and the card concludes at 3:35pm. Going is expected to be good for chases and good to soft for hurdles, with good ground in places following an early morning inspection. Parking is free in the Portsmouth Road car park, with centre course parking closed. Sandown is operating as a cashless venue, though on-course betting facilities will still accept cash.

Races and favourites

• 12:15 – Novices’ Hurdle (1m 7f): Sinnatra

• 12:45 – Handicap Chase (1m 7f): Vanderpoel

• 1:20 – Handicap Hurdle (2m 3f): Henri The Second

• 1:55 – Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase (2m 4f): Triple Trade

• 2:30 – Listed Hurdle (2m 3f): Jubilee Alpha

• 3:05 – Handicap Chase (3m): Credo

• 3:35 – Handicap Hurdle (1m 7f): Dance And Glance

Race-by-race analysis

12:15 – Novices’ Hurdle (1m 7f)

Sinnatra has shown steady improvement since joining Dan Skelton and has finished second on his last two starts in novice hurdles. Those efforts suggest a first hurdle win is close, and Sandown’s testing finish should suit a horse who keeps finding under pressure. Fouroneohfever is a useful Flat performer making his hurdle debut, but lack of experience may count against him here.

Verdict: Sinnatra sets the standard and looks the safest opener.

12:45 – Handicap Chase (1m 7f)

Vanderpoel is a progressive seven-year-old who impressed when scoring comfortably at Ascot last time. He travelled strongly and jumped well, which is always a positive around Sandown. Siam Park is another improving type and should give a good account, while Keep Running completes the shortlist.

Verdict: Vanderpoel is narrowly preferred to confirm his upward curve.

1:20 – Handicap Hurdle (2m 3f)

Henri The Second returns to hurdles having built up a solid record at Sandown over the smaller obstacles. The drop back from chasing looks a positive and he is well suited to a track that rewards accurate jumping. Dominic’s Fault is much less exposed and entitled to improve for his recent reappearance, making him the main threat.

Verdict: Henri The Second is worth siding with back over hurdles.

1:55 – Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase (2m 4f)

Triple Trade ran a strong race when third in a good Cheltenham handicap and now moves into a veterans’ contest for the first time. His mark remains workable and this slightly shorter trip should suit his racing style. Can You Call comes here in winning form after ending a long losing run, while Jet Plane also arrives off the back of a decisive success.

Verdict: Triple Trade looks well placed to make his class tell.

2:30 – Listed Hurdle (2m 3f)

Jubilee Alpha is better than her recent Cheltenham effort suggests and now meets Nurse Susan on much more favourable terms, being significantly better off at the weights. That swing could be decisive in this Listed contest. Nurse Susan remains a solid benchmark and should run her race again, while That’ll Do Moss is respected for a place.

Verdict: Jubilee Alpha is taken to reverse Cheltenham form.

3:05 – Handicap Chase (3m)

Credo has a notably strong record when fitted with a visor, and the headgear is reapplied here. She is only 1lb higher than her last winning mark and looks well treated in a competitive staying chase. Le Milos has slipped to a potentially dangerous mark despite a quiet season, while Gustavian adds depth to the contest.

Verdict: Credo appeals as a well-handicapped favourite.

3:35 – Handicap Hurdle (1m 7f)

This looks a rematch between Dance And Glance and All In You following their recent Ascot duel, where Dance And Glance narrowly came out on top. Both have been raised 4lb and meet on identical terms again. All In You may improve for that run, but Dance And Glance showed a strong attitude and determination that could again prove decisive. Hot Fuss is another to note.

Verdict: Dance And Glance can edge it again, but expect a tight finish.