And in the blink of an eye, the 2025/26 jumps season comes to an end. I’ve had a decent campaign on the tipping front, with profitable meetings at Cheltenham and Aintree and fingers crossed I can carry that form into Punchestown next week.

First and foremost, the immediate focus is on Sandown this weekend and we’ve got a competitive card to close the curtain on the season. I’ve landed on four selections to get stuck into on Saturday, starting with a mare for newly crowned Champion Trainer Dan Skelton in the opener.

13:13 Sandown

MADE U BLUSH (1pt WIN, 5/1)

I’m backing the Champion Trainer to get off the mark in the opener and MADE U BLUSH has gone from strength to strength in three starts over hurdles. She was much the best at Musselburgh in January and the better the ground, the better her chance.

La Luna Artista has the form in the book but I wonder if she’s perhaps best on flatter and sharper tracks. I’m happy enough to take her on at the prices and this daughter of Masar can edge Dan Skelton closer to that £5 million prize money total.

bet365 Oaksey Chase

14:20 Sandown

DOYEN QUEST (1pt WIN, 5/2)

Another for the Skeltons. DOYEN QUEST is a real consistent type and he can claim what looks like a weak enough renewal of the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase. There’s no horse of Gaelic Warrior’s calibre in here and it’s hard to fully trust Blow Your Wad at this level.

Dan Skelton’s runner has 8lbs to find on official ratings but I can see him being difficult to catch if allowed to dictate from the front. Hopefully Harry Skelton gives him a forward ride and his assured jumping could make the difference on Saturday afternoon.

4.0
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bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase

15:30 Sandown

ROAD TO HOME (0.5pts E/W, 8/1)

Well supported for the Scottish Grand National before he was withdrawn due to heavy ground, ROAD TO HOME can go close in the bet365 Gold Cup. Patrick Mullins retains the ride and he gave him a great spin in the Kim Muir, finishing a gallant second to the reopposing Ask Brewster.

The Irish raider was stepping up in trip for the first time that day and hopefully there will be more improvement to come as he tackles 3m5f for the first time. Montregard is the main danger to my selection but I’m siding with the Willie Mullins horse.

bet365 Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase

16:40 Sandown

CALIMYSTIC (2pts WIN, 6/4)

I’m really sweet on CALIMYSTIC here. He is 2-2 over fences and he has some nice form in the book, beating several nice types at Newbury in December and that looks strong with Pounding Poet (3rd) and Holloway Queen (5th) franking the form in nice races at Ayr and Cheltenham in recent months.

Nicky Henderson’s runner carries a lovely racing weight and I can see him competing in some nice races next season. He is a half-brother to dual Grade 2 winner Angels Breath and four other winners so he’s well-bred and hopefully he’ll be good enough here.