Hi all,
Inside today's main piece I'm previewing the five live ITV races from Sandown on Saturday.
The excellent Dublin Racing Festival kicks off at Leopardstown on Saturday, featuring four Grade 1s, culminating in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (3:30), where Galopin Des Champs bids for a hat-trick.
In Britain, Sandown hosts the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (2:35), won in recent years by L'Homme Presse and Gerri Colombe. Just four runners go to post, but all have claims.
The Dublin Racing Festival sparks debate—some dismiss it as hype or a Willie Mullins exhibition. Neither is fair. It’s the best two days of Irish jumps racing and has been a resounding success since its launch in 2018. You get to see some of the best jumpers in training. What’s not to like?
I’ll be watching Leopardstown closely but keeping bets to a minimum outside the handicaps on Saturday.
ITV Racing will broadcast nine live races on Saturday, covering five from Sandown, three from Musselburgh, and the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival (3:30).
There’s too much quality racing to do it full justice, but here’s my preview of the five ITV races at Sandown action.
Sandown
Sandown passed its Thursday inspection, so the scheduled chase and hurdles card goes ahead.
1:25 – Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Novices' Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f)
Tricky puzzle, but Grand Geste caught my eye. He looked a promising stayer when third at Uttoxeter (2m 7½f) last time. The drop in trip shouldn’t be an issue on testing ground, and first-time cheekpieces could sharpen him up. With the yard in form and Gavin Sheehan booked, he should go well.
2:00 – Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Chase (1m 7½f)
I missed the 9/2 about Etalon earlier in the week. This previous C&D winner should be none the worse for his recent Windsor unseat and looks the one to beat. At 9/4, I’d need 3/1 to push the betting button.
2:35 – Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (Grade 1, 2m 4f)
Jango Baie was the best of these over hurdles and looked a smart chaser when winning at Cheltenham in December. He’s short at 10/11 but the most likely winner.
That said, you can give all three rivals a chance. Handstands won a Grade 2 here (3m) last time and beat Jango Baie over hurdles last season. His proven stamina could be a factor. Kalif Du Berlais is exciting and gets a 4lb age allowance. He looked a smart prospect when winning at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, and 2m4f could be his optimum trip over fences.
3:07 – Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle (2m 7½f)
Irish raider Shoot First will be popular after his Haydock win two starts back, but Henri The Second looks a strong contender. His two hurdle wins have come at Sandown, including an 18-length romp over C&D last time. Up just 8lb, he could still be well treated.
Deep Cave caught the eye when fourth last time and could strike soon. Trainer Christian Williams won this race in 2020. Red Dirt Road improved for the step up in trip at Aintree (2m 4f) last time and could have more to offer. Flight Deck, at 11, isn’t the force of old but has shaped well on recent starts and could hit the frame at big odds.
3:42 – Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase (3m)
I covered this race in Wednesday’s column. However, here’s a quick update since final declarations.
In d’Or bids for a hat-trick after an impressive Ascot win. He’s capable of better, but David Maxwell rides, and he’ll need 10lb in hand to offset that.
Gustavian is consistent but just 1-20 over fences. O’Connell is thriving after wins at Carlisle and in the Lincolnshire National. He’s up 9lb but remains fairly treated, and Gavin Sheehan (1-1 on him) is back aboard.
Dreaming Blue is 1lb higher than his Ludlow win two starts back and is in the mix. Escaria Ten, once smart for Gordon Elliott, hinted at a revival when fourth in Cheltenham’s Cross Country. He’s well handicapped on old form.
Pats Fancy was a progressive novice in 2021-22 but has only run twice since Cheltenham 2022. He needed the run at Chepstow last time, but at 20/1, he offers value if rediscovering his old ability.
After a quiet couple of Saturdays on the punting front, I’m gearing up for a big weekend of bets. If you want my picks for this weekend and the rest of the month, you can get them here.
There’s more ITV racing on Sunday from Musselburgh and the Dublin Racing Festival. If time allows, I’ll do a quick preview of the best action—if not, I’ll see you on Monday.
Good luck with your Saturday bets!
John