Baracouda set for surprise Sandown run

BARACOUDA is set to be a surprise runner in the Tote Scoop6 Sandown Handicap Hurdle on Saturday as Francois Doumen’s champion continues his build-up to the Cheltenham Festival.

The nine-year-old was aimed at the race last year but the prospect of bad weather and the possibility of the meeting being called off persuaded connections to keep the gelding at home in France.

However, Doumen said yesterday: “I missed the race last year so I decided to run this year.