The first race of the day at Sandown on ITV is the Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle over two miles and Knappers Hill for Paul Nicholls looks a solid candidate for the race.
A smart bumper horse winning all three of his events on the level, rounding off last season by taking the 18 runner Grade Two Bumper at Aintree’s Grand National meeting, beating horses like stablemate Stage Star.
Over hurdles this term the gelding has raced five times, winning his first two novice events at Chepstow and Wincanton with ease and then went to Ascot when finishing third in a Grade Two behind Grade One winner Jonbon.
Sixth in the Betfair Hurdle after that, he was then seen giving his poorest run of the season over 2m4f at Sandown with the soft ground scuppering any chance he had in the 17 runner Handicap.
Last time out on his preferred good ground he was seen getting back to form when winning a five runner qualifier for this event off top weight easily.
He is top weight again but holds some of the leading form in the race and getting his ideal conditions could be tough to beat.