Hi all,
Inside, you’ll find my short take on Sandown’s Friday card and updates on the weather and going for this weekend’s action. Thankfully the incoming Storm Darragh won't affect Friday's racing but it could Saturday's.
Saturday Weather & Going Updates
While Friday’s racing is unaffected, Saturday could face significant challenges. Storm Darragh is set to bring winds gusting up to 60mph to England, which could jeopardise Sandown’s Tingle Creek Day fixture. Rainfall forecasts have eased, but the potential wind impact is now a concern.
As for the going:
Sandown (Friday): Conditions have softened slightly on both the hurdle and chase tracks but won’t be as testing as last year.
Aintree (Saturday): Additional rain is forecast, making heavy ground a possibility for the Becher Chase.
Sandown Friday Highlights
With only 40 runners across six races, Friday’s card lacks depth but offers quality contests.
1:58 – Winter Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
Six last-time-out winners clash in this exciting 2m 4f race:
Quebecois: Made all at Chepstow on hurdle debut (soft). Stable won this race in 2019 and 2022.
Kingston Pride: An Exeter bumper winner who impressed when winning on hurdle debut at Uttoxeter last time. Softer ground is an unknown.
Admiral Stewert: Landed a soft-ground maiden at Ffos Las. Steps up in trip with improvement expected.
Pony Soprono: Exeter winner whose form has been boosted. Likely to enjoy this step up in distance.
Ballytechno: More experienced and comes off a win in an Ascot handicap. A player if coping with softer ground.
2:33 – Betfair Esher Novices' Chase (Grade 2)
Handstands: Fell three out on chase debut at Wincanton but was still in contention. Easier ground should help.
Resplendent Grey: Second in a Listed novice chase at Cheltenham, showing improvement. Needs to settle better but has strong claims.
Fingers crossed Storm Darragh doesn’t affect Saturday’s action too much.
Good luck with your Friday bets!
John