My good mate Steve Smith-Eccles will hopefully be in one or more of the hospitality boxes at Sandown this afternoon – after all, he rode Tingle Creek to numerous successes and course records here and deserves his time back in the spotlight ahead of the race named after the ever popular chaser who never fell in an 80 race career.
No-one really thinks we will ever see his lie again with both ability and longevity a rare combination, but we do have some class acts lining up this afternoon, albeit only five of them!
Jonbon has won this for the last two years, both at odds-on, but after a disappointing return to action at Cheltenham when second in the Shloer Chase but beaten 15 lengths.
Cheekpieces are tried for the first time here and he cannot be written off, but L’Eau du Sud had his measure that day and on only three pounds worse terms, there is no obvious reason to expect that form to be overturned.
Il Etait Temps has won five of his last six over fences with a third in the Arkle Trophy the only blip, and with a comfortable defeat of Jonbon here in the Celebration Chase in April there is every reason to think he can win this.
Over from Ireland for Willie Mullins, he has a race under his belt after success at Clonmel so fitness will not be an excuse, and Paul Townend ought to be able to steer him home in front once more.
Daily Sport Recommended Bet 1pt Win Il Etait Temps 3.00pm Sandown Evens William Hill