Thursday 15th February 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (jordan_yates_)
Feature Meeting: Sandown
1.55: Team Forces “Ubique” Handicap Chase: My first pick of the day from Sandown comes in the 1.55 which is a handicap chase over a mile and seven and a half furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Etalon here for the team of Dan & Harry Skelton. He looks like a promising horse over fences having won both starts to date over the larger obstacles, the most recent success coming at Warwick last month when hammering Salamanca Bay in a match. A lot of his rivals here are showing signs of exposure, and it would be disappointing should he not post a bold bid. Etalon – 11/8 (Win)
2.30: Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle: Next up for me is the 2.30 which is a Grade 2 mares novice hurdle over two miles and four furlongs. I’m with another one from the Skelton yard here in Cherie D’Am who’s currently a 3/1 chance in the betting. She’s looked highly progressive so far over hurdles, winning on her hurdling debut as well as taking a competitive handicap at Aintree last time. She appears to be highly thought of and I think has every chance of doing herself justice at this level. Cheire D’Am – 3/1 (Win)
3.40: Right Of The Line “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle: The 3.40 is where I turn to for my third selection of the afternoon and this is a novice hurdle contested over two miles. It’s hard to get away from the obvious claims of Victoria Milano here for the team of Alastair Ralph and Jack Tudor. She defied market expectations on her hurdling debut when winning at 28/1, and proved that was no fluke when finishing second in what was probably a strong enough novice hurdle at Warwick last month. She’s the clear form pick here and should go very close. Victoria Milano – 5/4 (Win) (NAP)
4.15: Spectra Group Alanbrooke Handicap Chase: We move onto the 4.15 for my fourth pick of the day which is a handicap chase over three miles. I’m taking a chance on Hudson De Grugy here who represents Gary Moore and Nial Houlihan. He was third on his seasonal reappearance here last month over a much shorter trip but has won over two miles and four furlongs here off his current mark. There’s a risk factor involved with him trying this distance, but he’s got a very solid record at this track and gave the impression last time that a longer trip is what he’s after. Hudson De Grugy – 9/2 (Win)
4.46: Find & Strike Novices’ Handicap Hurdle: Signing me off for the day as well as the meeting itself will be the 4.46, which is a handicap hurdle ridden over two miles and four furlongs. I’m siding with the unexposed Wal Buck’s here for Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox. He makes his handicap debut here and comes in the race having progressed with each run to date, with his most recent effort coming when finishing a neck second at Leicester back in January where he attempted to make all on heavy ground. There’s likely more to come from him and he’s the pick for me here. Wal Buck’s – 9/4 (Win)
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