13.50 Sandown – Kalashnikov (6/1 Arkle), 8/15 today

Despite there being just four runners for this Grade 2 Novices’ Chase, it’s a high quality renewal with all of the runners having one eye on the Festival next month. Glen Forsa will likely go for the JLT Novices’ Chase, as will Dalia Du Seuil, and a win here would see them motor towards the top of that market. Kalashnikov is undoubtedly the star of the field though and is a live chance for the Arkle. All eyes here will be on how he bounces back from the defeat to Dynamite Dollars in December.

14.25 Sandown – Queenohearts (25/1 Mares Novices’ Hurdle), 15/8 today

Having been touched off by the exciting Deise Aba back in November, Queenohearts built on that by landing the spoils on heavy ground at Haydock before Christmas. With some smart Mares in this field, Stuart Edmunds’ charge has a great chance here to prove that she is amongst the best in her category ahead of Cheltenham.

15.30 Sandown – Elusive Belle (8/1 Mares Novices’ Hurdle), 4/9 today

As with many of the Novice Hurdles, Nicky Henderson has a strong hand in the Mares’ renewal. Epatante is slightly favoured in the market to stablemate Elusive Belle, but that could change today should the latter justify her position at the top of this market. Severano has run behind some smart horses this season, such as Bright Forecast and Eldorado Allen, so should provide a stern test for the favourite and give punters a better idea of her ability.