Dolos has to be the bet to make it win number four

STUART REDDING ON THE ITV RACES 1.28 MUSSELBURGH

Ben Pauling has two good chances in this veterans’ chase, headed by FAWSLEY SPIRIT.

He spent 596 days on the sidelines after some decent hurdles efforts in 2021-22 but showed the ability remains with a narrow defeat over fences at Market Rasen in November.

A lesser display at Taunton perhaps came too soon but he is capable of scoring in this company if back to his best.

1.45 SANDOWN

DOLOS has already won this race three times and he has a great chance of striking again.

He hasn’t won anywhere else since May 2019 but comes alive here and was far too good for seven rivals in last year’s renewal.

Paul Nicholls’ charge wasn’t beaten far behind Editeur Du Gite at Kempton on Boxing Day and he will appreciate returning to handicap company.

2.03 MUSSELBURGH LEBOWSKI

came up short when his sights were raised in the early part of 2022 but he got back on track at Wetherby in December, travelling well and sealing victory with a good leap at the final flight.

His fluent jumping is a big asset and it would be a surprise if this 7lb higher mark was the limit of his ability.

2.20 SANDOWN GERRI

I’m a huge fan of COLOMBE and will be very disappointed if he was beaten here.

Gordon Elliott’s charge isn’t flashy but always gets the job done and made it 6-6 in a Limerick Grade 1 chase on Boxing Day.

It took a few strides for him to seal victory but he was comfortably on top at the line so this stiff finish should be perfect for him.

2.40 WETHERBY

Dan Skelton is having a fantastic season and I expect him to land another big prize with

BALLYGRIFINCOTTAGE.

He was best of the home team when fourth in the Albert Bartlett last March and showed that fences were no problem when seeing off the more experienced Beauport on his chase debut at Haydock in November.

2.55 SANDOWN

CALL ME LORD was only

sixth in this last year but he never really convinced last winter and he has looked more like his old self recently, including when narrowly beaten by Dolphin Square over this course and distance in December.

He wasn’t quite so good at Cheltenham four weeks later but he deserves another chance back at what is arguably his favourite track.

This is a unique test so stick with CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK who proved he has the right characteristics for it when winning last year.

He only did just enough that day but produced a slightly better performance when following up at Cheltenham in April and two spins at Prestbury Park before Christmas should ensure he is cherry-ripe.

3.30 SANDOWN

FLEGMATIK wasn’t at his best at Kempton last time out but he was also beaten comfortably in that race last winter before winning a 3m handicap six weeks later.

A third over 2m5f in November showed he is still on a workable mark and this trip is probably more suitable for Dan Skelton’s charge now.