Racing: Bleu on course for Sandown

Edredon Bleu remains firmly on course for Saturday’s attheraces.co.uk ‘Today’s Best Bet’ Chase at Sandown according to trainer Henrietta Knight.

The 10-year-old took the equivalent race last season over two miles and Knight reports him to be in good order ahead of his tilt at the contest this year.

She said: ‘‘He’s very well. He’s had a bit of warm weather that he likes as he doesn’t like it when it’s not so good. I hope it carries on with the heatwave this week.

‘‘He’ll like the good going. As long as they don’t overwater the ground it will be in his favour.’’

Edredon Bleu is set to reoppose Flagship Uberalles who has already finished in front of him twice this season.

Knight’s charge was fourth behind the Philip Hobbs-trained horse in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham and he also finished in arrears when second in the Mitsubishi Shogun Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown.

But both of those races were on much softer ground than will be at the Esher track on Saturday and Knight is hoping the better ground may give her horse the edge.

‘‘Flagship likes the going to be softer we’re told while my horse likes it quicker but it will depend on how he is,’’ she said.

The horse who Knight thinks may provide the biggest challenge is the Paul Nicholls-trained Fadalko.

He won well at over two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham last week and Knight believes he could be the main competition for her horse.

She added: ‘‘Paul Nicholls’ horses are in terrific form and Fadalko loves it round Sandown and he is a spring horse but I think Flagship is always a rival.’’