Friday 5th December 2025
Sandown
NAP: DOYEN QUEST – (2.20)
NB: HIDDEN HISTORY – (2.55)
12.35: KING AL was useful on the flat, rated in the seventies, with a couple of wins to his name, including one on heavy ground. He makes his hurdles debut here for a yard that does very well with juveniles, and he’s likely to be a decent price in this particular affair. If he converts his flat ability to this code, he’s got every chance of running well. (Each-Way)
1.10: KEEP RUNNING won back-to-back Class 3 handicap chases last term in comfortable style, and returned to form on his seasonal reappearance at Fontwell last month, when finishing second of seven over hurdles. He should improve considerably following that run and be spot on for this particular assignment, and he could well post a bold bid here for the in-form yard of Warren Greatrex. (Win)
1.45: NO DRAMA THIS END was an impressive winner of a Grade 2 event at Cheltenham last month, when getting the better of useful prospect Heads Up by three lengths. Connections hold this five-year-old gelding in very high regard, and he could well be another star for the Nicholls stable. He should progress further coming into his second start of the campaign here, and he should take a lot of beating. (Win)
2.20: DOYEN QUEST put in a fine display of jumping at Exeter last time out, when getting the better of Quebecois by ten lengths, and he’ll face off with that rival again here. It’s hard to see that form being turned around, given the weights and the distance between them at the finish. The Skelton charge is a very likeable type, and if he’s in the same form as his Exeter success, he should be bang there again here. (Win) (NAP)
2.55: HIDDEN HISTORY made the perfect start to life over fences at Aintree last month, winning on chase debut by half of a length, keeping on in the closing stages to get the better of Theatre Man. He’ll contest this particular affair off just a two-pound higher mark than his Aintree success, and there is likely considerable progression still to come from him. A bold bid is likely for another strong Skelton chance. (Win) (NB)
3.30: MARCHE D’ALLIGRE posted a fine effort on his first run of the campaign at Wetherby last month, keeping on to finish half of a length second of eight to Saligo Bay. He’s up three pounds for that effort here; however, he should still have plenty more to offer for the very in-form yard of Jamie Snowden. If he takes the likely step forward from the Wetherby run, he’s a big player here under Gavin Sheehan. (Win)
