Sandown boost for Dempsey

MARK PITMAN believes the abandonment of last Saturday’s Victor Chandler Chase could be a blessing in disguise for Dempsey.

The two-mile handicap has been rearranged and will now take place at Sandown on Saturday after Cheltenham’s weekend meeting was called off due to a frozen track.

Dempsey, an impressive winner over course and distance last time out, has been installed as Coral’s 5-1 favourite, while he shares that tag at the same price with the sponsors.