Patrick Mullins: Sandown Saturday preview ahead of Jump Finale at Sandown Park

Gaelic Warrior is first out of the blocks in the bet365 Oaksey Chase and the assistant trainer admits this is a big moment.

He told Sporting Life: "It’s hugely exciting, very different from last year in that we’re going in over £60,000 behind, and are going to need a few results and for the ball to bounce our way.

"Really, Gaelic Warrior is the main player, the one you’d say he should win, but obviously he can have his off days as well. Two miles six around Sandown should suit him very well and if he can turn up at his best it looks like a good opportunity for him.

"But we’re going to need him. That’s the first race we have runners in and if we don’t get a good result in that it puts us on the back foot straight away but hopefully Gaelic Warrior can kick start the day."