SANDOWN 4.10 Gold Cup Handicap Chase - Class 1 - 3 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 20 run - Good

 

It's impossible to know how much the Aintree National of 3 weeks ago took out of some of these and it's not just the physical impact but the mental pre-race hullabaloo, then we have the Scottish National, just 2 weeks ago and whilst less mentally exerting, still a physical marathon. The fact half the field is now well out of the handicap just adds to the complete confusion and it's hard to have genuine confidence.

 

Quite simply therefore, we've looked for one running off a proper racing weight. one laid out for this test who has had a nice rest, one with scope to improve off it's mark today and one who has proven form right handed (often overlooked). Although he has yet to conclusively prove stamina for the trip, Venetia Williams 7 year old VICTTORINO really does tick all of the right boxes. A 6 week break, wins right and left handed, clearly scope for the 7 year old to improve and staying on up the Ascot hill right handed at 3 miles and on the long Newbury straight at 3 miles 2 furlongs. Valid excuses for not firing at Cheltenham and quiet confidence we have found one who may challenge the Mullins hordes. (Robin)

 

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Haydock 3.50 - Handicap - Class 5 - 6 furlongs - Good to Soft - 17 run

 

It's more about pace angles than out and out draw bias I feel on this Inner Sprint track, the Going should for once be broadly accurate and race fitness should be an advantage.

 

ARNAZ does look a worthy and strong favourite and a win saver at around 3/1 a sensible side bet. I take it to beat the dangerous Asinara and Wichapi, who may need the run and softer ground, whilst at nice odds I would rate the 2023 winner but injured last season, Papas Cocktail as my 4th top rated overall.

 

My each way selections at nice prices though in order of preference are ROARING RALPH who is fit from the AW and a Turf run already, a drop to 6 furlongs looks sensible and drawn in Stall 10 and off a nice mark I will be very disappointed if this one isn't in the first 4 home. BEAR ROCK has also had a run creating a favourable impression on handicap debut and looks like a probable future winner on that basis and ZIGGY'S QUEEN is another who has the benefit of race fitness and this 6 furlongs should be ideal and will a drop from the usual Class 4 and sometimes higher that she competes in on Turf. (The Advisor)

 

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Navan 5.30 - Handicap - 1 mile 5 furlongs - 20 run - Yielding

 

EL DORADO ROCK who returns unpenalised from a win a few days ago cannot be ignored for a win saver IF reappearing.

 

Out For A Stroll won yesterday but would be a less certain runner and winner quite frankly, The Truant a penalised recent Course winner and Miss Gitana an unexposed former Mark Prescott horse now with Gordon Elliott are feared as as the likes of Lady Kai, Desert Friend , Plains Indian and Forlio. Club Manager may need the run also.

 

At very big odds - 40-50/1 a small e/w side bet on the ex Charlie Johnston trained PONS AELIUS may interest a few of you, this one has enough UK form to suggest it's on anice handicap mark and old Seamie Heffernan on a 50/1 poke is always one to make the antenna twitch!

 

My clear top 2 rated though outside of the win saver and long priced poke are SCOTT LANG a winner and a placed horse on a few occasions over Course and Distance who gets this tough 13 furlongs well, very nicely handicapped and fit and I will be very disappointed if this one doesn't finish in the first 5 home and similarly GLYDE RANGER had some promising Course and Distance runs last season, finishing strongly on a few occasions, may need the extra furlong, so we will TRACK this one too, but very capable of a big run today (Sean)

 

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