Paddy Power’s Millionaire Chase: Runner-by-runner in Sandown's 2.25pm

* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

You should know the deal by now, but if you don’t gather round as we are now set to move over the half-way mark in our competition with our Millionaire qualifier in 14:25 at Sandown on Saturday.

Each week you simply pick a horse to win in one of our selected qualifier races to be in with a chance of grabbing a million quid in Paddy Power’s Millionaire Chase on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham.

All you have to do is click this handy OPT IN link and then place a winning bet on the 14:25 at Sandown this coming Saturday to go forward to the weekly online draw that takes place live our social channels on Monday. If your name is picked out, you will then go forward to the huge New Year’s Day sweepstake race at Cheltenham with the chance to win a million quid – or £/€10k for just qualifying.

You must OPT IN though – backing the winner, but not OPTING IN first won’t get you in the Monday draw. And did we mention the weekly draw winner gets a £/€10k prize? Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

So, if you haven’t had a chance to study the card close yet there’s no need to fret, because we’ve got your back. Here’s our handy runner-by-runner guide to Saturday’s qualifier (14:25) at Sandown, all thanks to the wonderful racing boffins at Timeform. Check it out below:

Altior

Outstanding four-time Cheltenham Festival winner who has met with defeat just once over fences (on return last season) and successful at Newbury when last seen in February. The one to beat.

Politologue

Had no Altior to contend with when resuming winning ways on the biggest stage in the Champion Chase in March, dominating from the outset. Won this in 2017 (bled last year) and should go well.

Greaneteen

Lost his unbeaten record over fences with a luckless defeat in the Grand Annual, but returned with a huge effort to win the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter – quickening up well. Could have even more to offer.

Rouge Vif

Highly progressive novice chaser, who looked very good when demolishing useful field in 2m Cheltenham handicap chase on return. Place claims, though wouldn’t want any more rain.

Brewinupastorm

Successful first two starts over fences last term before caught out by inexperience in the Arkle. Didn’t jump great and well beaten on return at Carlisle and faces stiff task in first-time tongue tie.

Castlegrace Paddy

A notch below the very best in this division but returned with a cracking display to win Navan Grade 2 under this rider, jumping well. More on his plate now.

Verdict:

This is an outstanding renewal that can see the mighty ALTIOR make it 16 wins from 17 starts over fences. He’s 5-5 over course and distance and should be raring to go after a recent racecourse gallop at Newbury. Paul Nicholls, seeking a stunning eleventh win in the first 2m Grade 1 of the season, has a very strong hand with the improving Greaneteen and 2017-winner Politologue.