Sandown Thoughts

Good morning all,

Most enjoyable day at Leicester yesterday, and a profitable one too. Pleased that London Prize won the first (well backed near the off) and then almost had heart attack as Royal Etiquette, who regular readers will know I had a share in for most of this year (but no longer) almost snatched the seller at 33-1! I was delighted for Rod and Collette Carmichael, who own the majority of him now, as they've had to be patient with him and both had made the effort to travel up from London to see him, despite it being only a seller. Hopefully he can win a handicap soon, if they can keep him in the same form.

There's times when 4-7 looks value, and if you'd seen Thankyou Very Much's opponents in the paddock, you'd have seen why. One looked unfit and the other half asleep, so to my eyes you were taking the odds-on he'd jump round. He proved 11l too good for Nefyn Bay with a country mile back to the other. Paid for the teas and the beef rolls, anyway.

I'll be keen to take She's Late on next time, as he's won a race that's absolutely fallen apart (3.10) and will get a few lb for it. Captain McGinley was still on the bridle and going well when unseating, and he's probably the one to give another chance to.

Anyway, on to today, where one from the Ten To Follow goes, and there's my fancies for Sandown too.

With Daren and Steve standing at Sandown (under the Stevie Stretch banner, go say hello if you're there) over the next couple of days, they've asked me to look at the Sandown card and give a couple for each race I like the look of. Here's my thoughts.

12.40 Am Riders Handicap Chase (3m)

Twirling Magnet

Unreliable as far as predicting his going days, but may well have hit the frame at Cheltenham last time but for unseating 2 out. Dropped another 2lb for that, very well handicapped, 1-1 at Sandown too.

African Gold

Was thought to be heading for the top a few seasons back but injuries/breathing held him back. Better last time though, and on a terrific chase mark compared to hurdles. Yard going well this week.

1.15 Juvenile Hurdle

Dino Velvet

One of three to catch the eye in the paddock at Cheltenham and ran a cracker, would have been clear third to two smart sorts but for falling at last. Reproduction of that probably good enough.

Imari Kid

Was improving on the Flat and has shown the Sandown hill holds no terrors. Yard like to introduce their better juveniles here and looks most likely of newcomers to shake fav up.

1.50 Nov Limited Handicap Chase

Antarctica De Thaix

Looks the sort to make a good chaser and possible they could go from the front here (has led in the past, no front runner here). Hurdles form solid enough but will improve this year.

Get Involved

Has constantly caught the eye with the way he travels and chase efforts over fences so far indicate he can win one. Drop back in trip on stiff track could be ideal.

2.25 Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

Ballyandy

Has twice seen the backside of Moon Racer but I’ll grudgingly admit he could be the real deal, so that’s not bad form at all. Still don’t think he’s one for the mortgage but clearly the one to beat. Track should suit.

Coeur Blimey

Already written off, if betting is anything to go by, that could be dangerous. Beat Ballyandy fair and square in Ascot bumper before he reversed the form in the big one at Cheltenham. Highly tried since, surely more to come, although softer ground might suit.

3.00 2m Handicap Chase

Greywell Boy

Too well handicapped (in a field full of horses that find winning hard) to resist. First run for Harry Fry, which gives hope he might be ready first time up (has previously needed a run) and interesting he’s been brought to Sandown, a track he’s gone well at in the past. Yard firing winners in last 10 days.

Back By Midnight

Might get a soft lead and although by no means likeliest winner, most of these won’t go past another horse or are hard rides, so not hard to see him lasting out a long time on the front. Back on same mark as close Haydock second and chances if on a going day.

3.35 Nov Handicap Hurdle

Hag Stone

Form of Warwick third, though well beaten, worked out brilliantly and no fluke about 25-1 win at Southwell time after (Utility well behind, poss needing run), with second running close third in competitive Cheltenham handicap next time. Will be amazed if a mark of 115 is anywhere near the limit of his abilities. Looks overpriced.

Swincombe Toby

Well beaten on first run for yard (bit disappointing in truth) but may have needed the run more than thought. Form of last season too good to ignore and still time for it to all come good yet. Yard among the winners this week.

 

Over at Sedgefield, Cabragh (1.05) goes over fences now he's got a handicap mark (gained from 2m Novice Hurdles!) and goes up massively in trip too. Both will suit. I've had a go at the 25s that was around last night and I'm hoping he can finally show his true colours now. He's one of my Ten To Follow this year, I always thought something like this would be the plan and it's interesting he's already entered up at Hexham next week as well.

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.