Maktu the each-way steal in the Bet365 Gold Cup

The fact that The Last Derby and Siegemaster are set to miss the Bet365 Gold Cup means that Maktu has an even greater chance to reward each-way punters at Sandown.

Connections of The Last Derby have decided to allow the horse to remain in Ireland and instead of heading to Sandown he will target the Ladbrokes Irish Grand National.

Meanwhile, the anticipated fast ground has caused the withdrawal of Siegemaster and with the recent lack of rain across the UK, there is now a strong chance that he will not run again this season.

Siegemaster was set to carry top weight of 11st 12lb at Sandown and his omission will cause a reshuffle in the weights.

Baby Run is the current 5/1 favourite in the Bet365 Gold Cup odds, but bearing in mind that his best form also tends to be on softer ground, he may be worth opposing.

One horse that may be worth considering to at worst finish among the places is Maktu, who has course form at Sandown and showed signs of a return to form when second on good ground on his latest start.

Running in Group Three company, Baby Run is taking a decent step up in class in comparison to his typical Foxhunters contests.

Furthermore, he is almost certain to set his usual blistering pace and on good ground this may not test the stamina of his foes as has proved the case on heavier ground already this season.

Maktu is 12/1 in the Sandown odds and is one horse in the line up who may profit from a fast pace.

Another who prefers to come from off the pace is Triggerman and he also has solid each-way credentials at 12/1.

A £30 stake on Maktu winning the Bet365 Gold Cup would return £360. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.