Out of form Baronet bounced back into contention for a second crack at the Scottish Grand National when snatching an unexpected victory at Sandown yesterday.

He rediscovered the touch that earned him a third place as a novice at Ayr last year by denying French raider Djeddah (Thierry Doumen).

Baronet has proved so disappointing since last season's high point that trainer David Nicholson released Adrian Maguire to partner 6 to 4 favourite Oatis Regrets in the Stag Handicap Chase.

Baronet made significant headway from the second last and, with Doumen looking over both shoulders, was forced to the front in the dying strides by Richard Johnson to score by a neck. Djeddah will now line up for the Kim Muir at Cheltenham.

Francois Doumen, Djeddah's trainer, added a fifth member to his squad when Boca Boca landed the Otter Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race by 11 lengths.