King's Kid can rule at Sandown

Given he has performed admirably on a three-figure mark on the Flat, Alan King's representative was expected to take high rank once switching his attentions to jumping. He made a winning, if unspectacular, debut in this sphere a couple of years ago but has since failed to find the winner's enclosure.

In fairness to the horse, he has competed a decent level and his disappointing effort at last year's Cheltenham Festival is forgiven as he suffered injury during the contest. Since then, he has run well back on the Flat and turned in easily his best effort over hurdles when fourth in last month's totesport Trophy at Newbury.

It seems he is only able to show his best when there is a decent pace on, which is bound to be the case this weekend and he should put up another bold show. On an excellent card that whets the appetite for the Cheltenham Festival, the EBF paddypower.com "National Hunt" Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final provides able support to the feature event.

Plenty of these can be given a shout, but preference is for Nicky Henderson's Cucumber Run. The six-year-old is bred for the job, as a half brother to Somersby, and having shown smart form in bumpers, he has made a seamless transition to the jumping game. A debut second at Newbury has been followed by two ridiculously easy wins at Huntingdon and Hereford and an initial handicap mark of 132 may prove lenient.

The Howard Johnson-trained Zhakiera Spirit can make the long journey south from Durham worthwhile by claiming the EBF/DBS Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race Final.

Another with stout bloodlines as a full sister to the useful Megastar, Zhakiera Spirit is unbeaten in two starts, striking at Wetherby and at Newcastle. This is a big step up in class but she might just be up to the job.

Voramar Two will surely secure his first win of the campaign in Chepstow's Poker At bet365.com Beginners' Chase. The eight-year-old has filled the runner-up spot three times over fences this season, chasing home smart sorts Watamu Bay, Aiteen Thirtythree and Silver Kate. He was well beaten in another good race at Huntingdon last time but this represents a sizeable drop in class and he should have too many guns for these rivals.

The all-weather action at Wolverhampton is well worth watching, with Listed fare on offer in the shape of the William Hill Lady Wulfruna Stakes.Irish raider Duff has been a fine servant to Edward Lynam and it would be surprising if he is not involved in the finish.

The eight-year-old is a three-time winner in Group company and his recent third over an inadequate six furlongs at Lingfield bodes well ahead of his weekend assignment.

Plenty of decent sorts go to post for the William Hill Lincoln Trial Handicap and the one to side with could be the progressive Licence To Till. He is on a career-high mark but is open to further progress and fitness is unlikely to be an issue so he's a solid betting proposition.

Double Default, a good second behind Work Boy at Carlisle last time, should also go well in the Brewin Dolphin Handicap Chase at Ayr.

At Sandown yesterday, trainer David Staddon had an important friend to thank as he provided Lance Bombardier Jody Sole with a memorable victory in the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown. His horse Blu Teen was passed on by no less than Paul Nicholls, who lives in the same Somerset village of Ditcheat and has helped get him ready for this important Forces event. Blu Teen (4-1) did not have a particularly distinguished career for Nicholls but has thrived for his neighbour and picked up his biggest prize yesterday.