French Mister travels well

Trained by Nicolas Bertran de Balanda, the seven-year-old has three wins to his name from his last three starts, scoring once over fences and twice over hurdles.

Francois Doumen and Guillaume Macaire have been regular visitors to Britain in the past, but this will be a first runner in England for the trainer.

"The horse is working extremely well having won his last three outings over hurdles in France," said De Balanda.

"He prefers good/good to soft ground so conditions at Sandown Park this weekend should be favourable.

"This is his first run outside of France, however he travels well and I am confident that he will put on a good performance."

There could be further French interest in the race with the Nicky Henderson-trained import Rajdhani Express poised to make his British debut representing the same connections as Long Run.