Defense all set for Sandown

Course specialist Self Defense is reported to be in good form ahead of his bid for back-to-back victories in the Agfa UK Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

As well as winning the Listed contest 12 months ago by three lengths from Rooster Booster, he had gone down by half a length to the ill-fated grey in the 2003 renewal before finishing fourth behind him in the Champion Hurdle.