After a competitive first day of the two-day meeting, the stars are out in force here at Sandown, on what looks like a terrific-day of racing.
Willmount looked a potential superstar when winning by 13 lengths at Newbury 30 days ago. It would be disappointing if he was beaten here. His biggest threat appears to be Olly Murphy’s, Booster Bob, who thrashed his rivals last time at Uttoxeter. While it was a very easy win, he hasn’t faced a horse of Willmount’s caliber, and his limitations may be exposed. Helnwein had a workmanlike success last time and will benefit in time from racing over further. He may struggle in this company. Choose a Copper was good at Hexham but is likely to be out-classed here.
This is not the best race in the world. Elle Est Beau was an eye-catching third last time at Warwick, indicating this step-up in trip should be right up her street. Pretending looked beat when falling last time out, but her Cheltenham second reads better. There were higher hopes for Whisky Express than she has delivered, but she may cash in on her early promise. Fable reverts to hurdles after a disappointing run 226 days ago. Hard to trust and I don’t like horses who go from fences back to hurdles. Fortunefavorsdbold and Another Day Out have been badly out of form and best left alone.
Operation Manna looks like a completely different horse to last season and won’t be far away judged on recent starts. He’s heading in the right direction. The class angle of the race is grade 1 winner Chantry House, who is looking to build on a promising return to action. While the days of his Betway Chase win are behind him, he may be capable of winning at this level. Equinus was disappointing last time but had obvious claims of returning to the form of his penultimate run. He has bounced back before. Hititi finished ahead of him that day but is not guaranteed to confirm the placings. He landed a treble last year, but the handicapper may have a grip on him now. Brinkley shaped well last time, but he couldn’t convert a good opportunity to win the race and that is a concern. The rest are out of form and not showing signs of a revival.
1:15:
The re-arranged grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle. It is hard to see a world where Constitution Hill gets beat. If looking for a horse for the forecast, Mares Hurdle runner-up Love Envoi holds a strong chance, and the return to the minimum trip looks positive. She is freegoing but tries hard. Another gutsy horse lining up is Mares Novice winner You Wear It Well. She beat some useful rivals last time on re-appearance and is classy. Shishkin’s class is undeniable, but his future seems to be over further these days and he is running purely for fitness. He won’t win. Goshen and Not So Sleepy are good horses in their own right but won’t be winning tomorrow.
JPR One had the race at his mercy when he fell last time at Cheltenham, but he was in the process of running a dazzling race. He was flying over his fences before an unfortunate stumble ended his race. On his chase debut, he comfortably beat Iceo, who re-appears here. I think if they ride him with more restraint, he’ll have a much better chance of reversing the placings, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him bounce back. Colonel Harry did little wrong last time and will appreciate the forecasted tough conditions, as he has two wins on heavy ground. Fifth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, Unexpected Party is likely to run a good race if the run three weeks ago hasn’t taken too much out of him. Petit Tonnerre was a fair way behind JPR One when the latter fell and appears held on that form. Le Patron is interesting, having won easily last time, and could continue improving.
Impose Toi easily won a decent handicap at Cheltenham last time out and gave the impression that there is plenty more under the bonnet! He might not have to improve much to claim another success. Bucksy Des Epeires showed a good attitude when winning at Lingfield last time. May be one for chasing next season. Spirit D’Aunou won four on the spin last season but was well held on re-appearance. May improve for that recent run. Arqoob’s ability to switch between flat and jump racing is commendable, and he is a likable type. The Jockey booking of Sean Bowen is interesting. Jupiter Du Gite has the ability but is a real hothead and can throw his race away by running too free. He’s his own worst enemy. Cheltenham Festival winner Langer Dan lines up but is usually targeted for March and best avoided.
The feature race of the day is the Betfair Tingle Creek. If in the same vein of form at Cheltenham, Jonbon will be very hard to beat. He produced a career-best last time and is a firm favourite. He beat Edwardstone last time, who to his credit, ran a good race. The 2022 winner is likely to re-oppose but has work to do to turn the tables. Boothill has taken his form to a new level this season and deserves a shot at this level. Haddex Des Obeaux fell when last seen in a competitive handicap. He may find this race too hot. Nube Negra was well-held by the market principles and will struggle.
A grueling final race of the card, over 3 miles 4 furlongs on soft ground. Proven stamina is a huge benefit in a race of this nature. Current favourite Beauport has not raced over this far but has produced good performances on this going. Fontaine Collonges short odds are unappealing after a lackluster campaign last year. Recent wind surgery needs to revive her. Certainly Red is slowly moving down the handicap but may need to drop a little more to win a race of this nature. A horse with stamina in abundance is Truckers Lodge and he may offer each-way value. The same can be said for Cyclop, who stayed on very well when last seen. Henry Daly sends two, with Rapper trying this far for the first time and Fortescue, who can race lazily.
Selections
Willmount, Constitution Hill, Jonbon – Treble
Impose Toi
Small Each-ways on the following:
Equinus
Iceo
Cyclop
