Willie Mullins’ On His Own to be top weight at Sandown

The Willie Mullins-trained On His Own heads the weights for the bet365 Gold Cup Chase at Sandown on Saturday after 40 possibles remained in contention.

The 11-year-old will have to carry the welter burden of 11st 12lb, the same weight Tidal Bay, who was also owned by Andrea and Graham Wylie, carried to victory in 2012.

On His Own is a smart performer having finished second in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, and is fresh from winning a Grade Three chase at Cork this month. Mullins withdrew his other entry, Perfect Gentleman, but other Irish-trained representatives are First Lieutenant, Grand Jesture, Vics Canvas, Pass The Hat, Guess Again and Heathfield.

Late withdrawal

However, Tony Martin has not confirmed the JP McManus-owned Gallant Oscar, who was a late withdrawal from the Scottish Grand National at Ayr at the weekend.

Ante-post favourite, the Lucy Wadham-trained Le Reve, has stood his ground, as have Warren Greatrex’s Paint The Clouds and the 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Bobs Worth.

Paul Nicholls, who has won this race with Tidal Bay and also Ad Hoc in 2003, has left in Grand National also-rans Rocky Creek and Unioniste plus Wonderful Charm and Just A Par.

David Pipe has a strong contender in The Package, winner of the Kim Muir at Cheltenham but a denied a place in the Grand National.

First Lieutenant will look to make amends at Punchestown after a disappointing run in the Grand National.

Trainer Mouse Morris will consider the options for the 10-year-old, who completed the course a distant 16th behind Many Clouds after never recovering from an error in the early stages of the Aintree marathon.

“First Lieutenant made a terrible mistake early on in the National. He did everything bar fall and his race was over,” said Morris. “He’s fine and will go to Punchestown.”