Captain Conan heads a small but select field for the Markel Insurance Henry VIII Chase at Sandown.

Last updated: 7th December 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Captain Conan: Heads a small but select field

Captain Conan heads a small but select field of five runners for Saturday's Markel Insurance Henry VIII Chase at Sandown.

Donald McCain's Overturn would have been a leading fancy for the race but the likelihood of testing going has seen him sidestep the Grade One event.

That leaves Nicky Henderson's Captain Conan as the star name following his debut victory over fences at Cheltenham.

Captain Conan's jockey Barry Geraghty believes the five-year-old is on the upgrade.

"Captain Conan seems really well. He had a nice run at Cheltenham and he didn't have too hard a time," the Irishman told At The Races.

"He handled the ground well and should improve for the run. I think he has improved as well from last year. He had good form then when second to Darlan at Aintree. He's a high-class horse in his own right."

Paul Nicholls' Hinterland is another noteworthy contender, while Act Of Kalanisi, Escort'men and the well-regarded Third Intention complete the line-up.