Red looks good in his hat-trick bid

It was good to see Lydia Richards back in the limelight at Sandown recently, gaining a televised winner courtesy of CERTAINLY RED (3.00).

He beat Gemirande easily that day and, having previously scored over course and distance, he comes here on a hat-trick.

He’s up to a mark of 135 so this will require more. But he is at the top of his game so maybe he can eke out another win.

SHANTOU FLYER (4.10) can win what looks a warm hunter chase.

Due to be ridden by Paul Nicholls’ daughter, Olive, the veteran has been in good form between the flags of late, winning his last two races for trainer Sam Loxton.

He is a teenager now, but a sprightly one, and some of his back form makes for tremendous reading in the context of this race.