David Pipe on his runners over the weekend

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Looking at today’s action, and I run three at Sandown starting off with NORDIC COMBINED who steps up in trip in the handicap hurdle (3.05pm).

That should suit him nicely as will all the recent rain, so there are definite grounds for optimism.

Another one who will love the ground is RATHLIN ROSE who is back for another tilt at the Grand Military Gold Cup (3.40pm).

He was just beginning to get involved when unseating Guy Disney late on last time and the conditions are even more in his favour this time.

Guy came down to school him earlier in the week and that all went well so I’m hopeful.

DUC DE BEAUCHENE takes his chance in the handicap hurdle (4.45pm) that rounds off the card.

He won nicely at Plumpton last month and is 4lbs higher here.

The rain will also help his chances and he looks to have improved from that last win.

Gary Moore looks to be holding a strong hand in the race with Gleno​ who bolted last time, but I’m hopeful we can go close.

As for Saturday’s action, and we have decided to run EXTRA MAG in the Imperial Cup (2.25pm), again at Sandown.

It was never really the plan, but I suppose the combination of all the recent rain and the fact that the top weight stays in has somewhat forced our hand.

He gets in here off just 10 stone and as he is in such good form that we simply have to take our chance.

I suppose it will just come down to whether or not he is experienced enough for a race like this, but we will give it a go.

With just days to go until the start of the Cheltenham Festival, we are putting our final plans together.

It’s difficult to know what we will have running and in what races at this stage, but I will be back on Tuesday with some firmer plans.