Richard Bandey is excited to see Saint Palais take another step up the ladder in the William Hill Towton Novices’ Chase at Wetherby on Saturday.

The five-year-old is unbeaten in three starts over fences since joining the Hampshire handler from Francois Nicolle in France, progressing from a mark of 118 to his current perch of 145.

After completing the hat-trick in the Mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury five weeks ago, Saint Palais will test the water in Grade Two company this weekend, with the high-rated Ahoy Senor likely to be among his rivals.

“He had a school this morning (Tuesday). He’s in good form and I think we will take our chance,” said Bandey.

“He’s done absolutely nothing wrong this season. He’s had a nice progression through the grades and we thought this was a nice option. It’s a track he’s won round already this season.

“He won’t mind the ground. Obviously, Ahoy Senor is quite a talking horse but we’re not afraid of taking him on and having a crack.

“He ran on good ground over hurdles over two miles. There is a bit of rain forecast so it could be good to soft and I’d be happy with that.”