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Gallops report

Champagne West ridden by Richard Johnson jumps the last on their way to victory in the Ryman Stationery Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.
Image: Champagne West: Expected to take in Sandown contest

Philip Hobbs could send a strong team to Sandown including smart novice Champagne West

CHAMPAGNE WEST indicated he is ready to display his talents at a new track when powering away from his lead horse on Philip Hobbs' main woodchip strip.

The seven-year-old has enjoyed a mid-season break, having lost his unbeaten record over fences at the hands of Ptit Zig last time.

All his racing this season has been at Cheltenham, but he heads for Sandown at the weekend for a shot at the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase.

The gelding looks in the mood to show he is just as effective going right-handed.

GARDE LA VICTOIRE may take his chance in the Contenders Hurdle.

The Greatwood Hurdle winner's last two runs at Ascot have been satisfactory enough, but the gelding leaves the impression he is better than the form suggests.

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He has always shown plenty at home, and seems to be taking his racing well.

BALLYGARVEY is in good order, as he showed in his stretch up both all-weathers.

If taking his chance in the two-mile handicap chase at Sandown he will be hard to beat. He did nothing wrong when nailed close home at Ascot last time.

MENORAH is in the midst of a mid-season break but looks well in himself.

He will figure in his trainer's Festival plans, with a possible Gold Cup bid in the offing.

BERTIE BORU has shown up well in his recent spins up the steep all-weathers and should be monitored for a three-mile handicap chase at one of the bigger tracks, possibly at Sandown on Saturday.

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