THE suggestion earlier in the week that Kauto Star might run in today's Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, perhaps surprisingly, did not have the connections of the other entrants running for cover and, although the absence of the Gold Cup winner appears to leave the way clear for Voy Por Ustedes, the belief in some of the opposition indicates this could be a lot closer than many think.
There is no doubt the soft ground is another plus for Alan King's two-mile champion who will be all the fitter after his opening race, when he finished a close second to Kalca Mome at Cheltenham, giving that horse 20lb.
He is the one they all have to beat, but the 5-4 price seems very short when you consider the quality of the opposition.
As regards his run at Cheltenham, King said: "He had to have a run. We brought him in earlier this year and he was all set for the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, but the ground went against him. It was then either go to Cheltenham or don't go anywhere, and I was pleased we ran him as you could see how buzzy he was that day.
"He's in great form and if he gets beat on Saturday, then there'll be no excuses on that score. All things being equal, he will run in the Desert Orchid at Kempton after this, which he won last year.
The Saturday specialist, trainer Paul Nicholls, who caused the scare with Kauto Star, runs two others, Hoo La Baloo and Twist Magic. The former is stepping up in class but would not be a contender if his trainer did not think he could do well. However, Twist Magic is highly regarded and expected to be a challenger for the two-mile title this season.
He was going well against My Way De Solzen at Cheltenham when falling two out in his debut this term, and then went on to win both his races at Aintree and Kempton.
Although his trainer was doubtful about running him in soft ground, he could still be a major player.
Another serious challenger is Monet's Garden, who has an admirable winning record, having landed seven of the 10 chases he has contested. His win over Kauto Star at Aintree first time out need not be taken on face value, but his overall form puts him in with a sound chance, especially as the soft ground will bring his stamina into play.
The question mark against him may surround his ability to reproduce his best form when far travelled from his home near Penrith.
Either of the last two candidates could make a race of it with Voy Por Ustedes, and so too could Ashley Brook, who has never quite fulfilled the promise of his earlier chasing career, mainly because of injury and a recent tendency to fall, as he did in his last two races.
On his best form, Ashley Brook (2.35) is a class act and if jockey Paddy Brennan can prevent him from a setting off at a breakneck pace, he could be the surprise hit of the race.
There is a small but select field for the Henry VIII Novices Chase, in which Moon Over Miami will be much fancied. He is entitled to be after his impressive win over two miles at Cheltenham.
He was beaten a long way on his first race over fences by another of today's runners, Mahogany Blaze, but looks sure to reverse that form.
Whether or not he can give 12lb to Pancake (2.05) is another matter. This Philip Hobbs-trained four-year-old has respectable hurdle form, but has always been considered a chaser in the making. He can prove that with a win on his first attempt.
Nicholls could have a major contender for the Marathon chase in The Luder, who receives plenty of weight and will appreciate the going, but top weight Tana River (3.40), winner of this last year, may well be up to making it a double. Selections Sandown 2.05 Pancake, 2.35 Ashley Brook, 3.40 Tana River
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