Marble Sands will aim to cement his rising reputation when he steps up to three miles in the BetMGM Rehearsal Handicap Chase at Newcastle on Saturday. Fresh off a career-best victory in the Colin Parker Memorial Chase at Carlisle, the eight-year-old is in top form as he looks to add another significant win to his record.
Trained by the Stow-on-the-Wold partnership of David Killahena and Graeme McPherson, Marble Sands impressed last time out by defeating Jamie Snowden’s Colonel Harry, a leading fancy for the Coral Gold Cup, to secure Listed honours.
The team is confident heading to Gosforth Park, where Marble Sands will encounter the good ground he favours.
"He’s in great form at home, and it’s all systems go for Newcastle," said Killahena. "He’s done a couple of nice pieces of work since Carlisle, and the lad who rides him out is delighted with him. We’ll go there, take our chance, and see what happens."
While Marble Sands has yet to fully prove his stamina over three miles, having only attempted the trip in graded company, Killahena is optimistic the distance will suit.
"I’m not worried about the trip," he added. "The only times he’s run over three miles were in high-class races, so I think he should handle it fine."
With conditions in his favour and his confidence boosted from recent success, Marble Sands could take another significant step forward at Newcastle.