Hi all,
We’re set for a fantastic afternoon on ITV with a bumper six races from Sandown, as the battle for the UK Trainers’ Championship heads to the wire on the final day of the jumps season. Add in two competitive flat handicaps from Haydock and Leicester, and we’ve got a cracking afternoon of racing to enjoy.
Inside today's main piece you'll read my thoughts on the best of the action at Sandown:
Sandown
1:50 – Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m 4f
Sean Bowen heads into the day, off a Perth four-timer on Friday and gets a strong ride on Classic Anthem, who scored over C&D last time. A 5lb rise looks fair, and he’s well placed to follow up.
Inedit Star ran a blinder when third in the Red Rum Handicap Chase (2m) at Aintree last time. He’s still a maiden over fences and needs to prove his stamina, but he shaped like this trip might suit.
Mahons Glory has thrived since joining Dylan Cunha, winning at Leicester and Stratford. He steps up in grade and is 3lb higher, but he’s clearly in fine form.
2:25 – bet365 Oaksey Chase (Grade 2) – 2m 6½f
Gaelic Warrior was back to his best when winning the Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree. He’s the class act here and will be fine over this slightly shorter trip.
Stablemate Gentleman De Mee stayed well to win the Topham over 2m5f and looks a threat if the favourite underperforms. He does go best left-handed but loves this time of year.
Pic D’Orhy has been foot-perfect this season (2-2) and could try to make all on ground that suits. He’s tough but may have to settle for minor honours.
3:35 – Celebration Chase (Grade 1) – 1m7f
Jonbon bids for a third straight win in the race. He’s 5-5 at Sandown and unbeaten in six April starts. The only question is how he’ll go with a new jockey.
Il Etait Temps could be the danger. He ended last season with two Grade 1 wins> Belated seasonal reappearance but is 2-2 fresh. I just prefer him to Energumene, who wants softer ground but is Paul Townend’s choice.
4:10 – bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 3m4½f)
Grangeclare West runs off top weight and keeps half the field out of the handicap, as Willie Mullins throws everything at winning the trainers’ title. His High Class Hero looks the best of his ten runners—unexposed, improving, and now up in trip.
Spanish Harlem was still going well when carried out in the Scottish National. He’s 6lb wrong at the weights but looks a lively outsider for Mullins.
Resplendent Grey ran well when 4th in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival despite poor jumping. First-time cheekpieces could help. He’s got ability if his jumping holds up.
Victtorino is hard to fancy on stable form, but right-handed tracks suit and he’s fairly handicapped. He might surprise a few if returning to form after a poor run at Cheltenham.
Transmission was just behind Resplendent Grey at Cheltenham. He’s badly treated with that one and 10lb out of the handicap here but still unexposed over long distances and open to more improvement. A solid each-way player.
4:45 – bet365 Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m 4f
Ike Sport bounced back to form at Aintree last time and returns to the race he won last year. He’s only 4lb higher, likes the ground, and looks primed for a bold repeat bid.
I’ll be back on Monday with a look back at what could be a dramatic finale to the jumps season.
Best of luck with your Saturday bets.
John