Best Of Bets

Tag: sandown

  • Four To Follow: Dublin Racing Festival – Day One

    Four To Follow: Dublin Racing Festival – Day One

    We head to Dublin for Ireland’s biggest weekend in racing. All the stable stars come out to strut their stuff before they stuff the British at Cheltenham. It’s always a good indicator to see where each Willie Mullins runner will be heading to in March, but there is a bit of value to be found in the slightly more open novice races. Plus there’s a decent card at Sandown to keep an eye on in today’s Four To Follow.

     

    Leopardstown

    Grades Count

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    1:20 – Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) – Loughglynn @ 9/2 (William Hill)

    It’s telling which horse Paul Townend picks to ride in each race for Mullins, and the market is always keen to latch on. I feel though, he’s chosen the wrong horse. Predators Gold hasn’t raced above two-and-a-half miles and was beaten, in heavy ground, last time out. The inexperience may show here.

    Loughglynn is a far more accomplished novice. His win at Grade Two level at Limerick over Christmas showed that this horse has an engine to stay. It won’t be as boggy as Limerick, so has momentum to build on from his maiden win at Punchestown. Well backed Jetara has been running against the girls so far and might find this race a bit too hot.

     

    Mullins & McManus

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    1:50 – Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade One) – Majborough @ 11/2 (William Hill)

    Once again Townend has opted to go for the Gigginstown colours in Storm Heart, who looked like a Grade One juvenile when obliterating his rivals in the mud.

    But there was talk of Majborough early in the season and I’ve been excited to see this horse appear. It’s a sign you’re a good horse when JP McManus buys you. It’s even better when he sends you to Closutton. It becomes even more exciting when you’re first race in Ireland is in a Grade One. If that’s how much connections think of him, there must be something in the water.

     

    Sandown

    Patron Only

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    2:35 – Scilly Isles’ Novices’ Chase (Grade One) – Le Patron @ 7/2 (General)

    Le Patron is the only Grade One winner in the field. And despite Harry Cobden saying that Hermes Allen was at his best in the Kauto Star on Boxing Day, he still got beat. Le Patron won in bottomless over two miles, but he seemed at his best when winning over C&D back in November. JPR One gave the form a boost when winning the Lightning Novices’ Chase at Lingfield a couple of weeks ago.

    The other big trend is that Paul Nicholls hasn’t won this race since 2009 and it’s unclear if this will be a stepping stone for Hermes Allen to the Festival. This is a race that Le Patron has been trained for.

     

    Racing West

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    3:10 – Heroes Handicap Hurdle (Premier H’cap) – West Balboa @ 8/1 (Betfred)

    West Balboa always comes alive in handicaps at this level, and she seems primed once more. After finishing way back in the Long Walk field, she’s had a rest and is back under top weight. Tristan Durell takes off a crucial three pounds to make her mark a little more accessible and she can out race this field in these conditions, which could set her up nicely for a shot at the Pertemps.

    Good Luck Charm was an outside chance in the Lanzarote at Kempton but outran her odds to finish fourth and within a length to favourite Impose Toi. Stepped up in distance, she remains on the same mark and is weighted towards the very bottom of the field. She’s been priced more fairly at 10/1 (Boylesports) but has a huge chance of running to them this time around.

    Equinus won by five lengths at Aintree way back in October and has had some respectable finishes in class two company. James Turner has been booked once again, and conditions will suit the Nigel Twiston-Davies horse. Extra places will useful if backing this horse at 20/1 (General).

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow | Back To Normal

    Four To Follow | Back To Normal

    After last week’s washout, racing’s back with a bang at Warwick and Kempton. Big handicap action, plus an insight into the Brown Advisory Chase at Warwick and the Ryanair picture at Kempton. It’s a busy day, so Four To Follow is here to help for the big races.

     

    Warwick

    Tough To The Core

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    2:24 – Hampton Novices’ Chase (Grade Two) – Apple Away @ 9/4 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    Despite five runners, it’s a fascinating renewal for the future staying chasers. Apple Away looks to have her way on the soft ground, as she relished last time out when winning for the first time over fences. She’s up to three miles this time, which will suit her better than the trip in the graduation chase won by Grey Dawning, who she faces today.

    Grey Dawning seemed to suit the two-and-half-mile trip better and Broadway Boy no longer has the luxury of Cheltenham to help him.

     

    Back To Port

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    3:00 – Classic Handicap Chase (Premier) – Beauport @ 10/1 (William Hill)

    In the mud and the rain, Truckers Lodge was a deserved winner of the London National at Sandown, but in behind Beauport showed bags of potential. If not for pecking on landing at the second last, the winning margin may have been a lot shorter. Despite not having won at this marathon distance, Beauport has plenty of talent. Soft ground may make it easier for him and the Twiston-Davies team are the top strikers at Warwick this season.

    Fontaine Collonges had an easy day out in front in the Rowland Meyrick on Boxing Day. She had her conditions, and none of her rivals could lay a glove. For that she’s been raised a steep seven pounds. But in recent years, those high in the weights have found a way to sneak into the top four, and Venetia Williams’ mud lover shouldn’t have a problem at 17/2 (General).

    Laura Morgan’s Percussion has been found over the National fences at Aintree recently. Placed twice, you would think this would be a prep race for the nine-year-old. He has to find something to get in, and he has a fighting chance on the soft ground. There’s no question either about the trip, although he was racing in the slop last time out in the Becher Chase. 14/1 (BetVictor) is great each-way price.

     

    Kempton

    Bridge Over Standing Water

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    2:07 – Silviniaco Conti Chase (Grade Two) – Banbridge @ 5/2 (William Hill)

    I’ve missed Banbridge. One of my favourite horses in training is back and should be firing. He’s got his ground after missing the 2023 Turners’ Novice Chase due to soft ground, and it seems Kempton has been unaffected by the deluges we’ve had.

    Three Grade One winners go head to head, but I have doubts about Edwardstone. Might the step up in trip come too late in his career? Pic D’Orhy demolished a poor field last year and this will be a much stiffer task. Don’t discount Notlongtillmay. Second in the Turners’, he has form from the November Gold Cup to go on and may be worth a reverse forecast with Banbridge.

     

    Imposing Figure

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    2:42 – Lanzarote Hurdle – Impose Toi @ 100/30 (Betfred, Boylesports, BetUK)

    The Lanzarote is not one of my favourite handicaps of the season, but this year looks a decent enough renewal. Impose Toi was only beaten by a neck at Ascot before Christmas and only receives three pounds for it. It doesn’t put him at the top of the handicap and James Bowen, now the Henderson number one, comes over to take the ride instead of the option of Warwick.

    Good Luck Charm raced a blinder at Cheltenham to finish third in a Mares’ Handicap Hurdle last time out. Back to today, she has a claimer on board which may prove to be a masterstroke by the trainer, Anthony Honeyball. She prefers give in the ground, which she’s got, and the market may be overlooking her at 12/1 (William Hill, Betfred).

    Mothill comes into the race on a hattrick bid. Neil Mulholland’s horse is up two classes, which is usually a turn off, but he’s racing of his last winning mark now with a claimer aboard. He’s dominated his last two races, in the final stages, and may spring a shock at 16/1 (Betfred, Boylesports, BetUK).

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: He Ain’t Heavy

    Four To Follow: He Ain’t Heavy

    As much as we wouldn’t like it to be, the ground is pretty heavy going out there. In the space of a week we’ve gone from freezing over to a bottomless pit. But a drop of rain won’t spoil the party, as there’s some top class action at Sandown, plus action over the National fences at Aintree.

     

    Sandown

    Love Is All Around

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    1:15 – Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade One) – Love Envoi @ 7/1 (888Sport)

    With the ground looking on the boggy side, and more rain expected overnight, it’s unlikely we will see Constitution Hill. Which makes the race wide open, until you see soft ground specialist Love Envoi in the mix. Expect Love Envoi to be short-odds favourite if the unbeaten Champion horse is pulled out. Love Envoi always makes a good impression on reappearance and can build on her defeat to Honeysuckle in the Mares’ Hurdle at the Festival.

     

    The Party’s A Bit Heavy

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    1:50 – Henry VIII Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – Unexpected Party @ 4/1 (General)

    It’s weird to see Unexpected Party in this race, twelve months on from finishing third last year. He’s by far the most experienced in the group, and in open company looks to be threatening. He’s the highest rated horse in the field and given the situation with potential Arkle hopes from the UK, he should have these on toast. Ground won’t be a problem and is stepping back in trip in another weak looking Grade One Novice Chase.

     

    Fontaine Of Youth

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    3:35 – London National Handicap Chase – Fontaine Collonges @ 16/5 (BetVictor)

    This race is always a highlight as it means we’re getting closer to that yuletide treat of the Welsh National. And with the Trial happening today at Chepstow, it’s worth a pivotal look at both. Mud lovers need apply for both races, and at Sandown one springs to mind.

    Fontaine Collonges has the making of staying chaser, and the more mud the better for her. She’s first time out this season for Venetia Williams, who we all know is in fine fettle. Ned Fox claims a crucial five pounds, to make her weight even more attractive. A wind operation will excuse the poor run at the Festival and put her right in the picture for today’s heavy going test.

    Another mud-lover at Sandown is Truckers Lodge. Surprising that Paul Nicholls chose to come here instead of Chepstow, the former Welsh National winner has the conditions in his favour. He was unlucky when brought down at Cheltenham, though he may not have won in the firmer conditions that day. The 11-year-old can still show some class in a race that could just fall apart. Worth a shout at 10/1 (Betfred, BetVictor, BetUK).

     

    Aintree

    That Same Lad Again

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    2:05 – Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase (Premier) – Ashtown Lad @ 5/1 (William Hill)

    It always helps when you have some experience in testing conditions, and over the hardest fences in the land. Ashtown Lad ticks both those boxes. His handicap mark was protected by the Skelton’s who ran him in hurdle races before a poor run in the Topham Chase. He blew the cobwebs off at Wincanton in the Badger Beers and is only two pounds higher than last year’s mark. Harry Skelton also decides to come here instead of Sandown, which could prove key to Ashtown Lad’s chances.

    The Big Breakaway also ticks the boxes that Ashtown Lad does, but at a healthier price. He finished fifth in the Badger Beers but sees his handicap mark drop two pounds. A drop like that could prove pivotal. He has experience around the National fences, although will need better luck than falling at the second. A shout at 15/2 (888Sport).

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Normal Service Resumes

    Four To Follow: Normal Service Resumes

    After a fantastic Ebor week, we’re back to normal Saturday racing. But there is some fantastic betting heats, including the Beverley Bullet and the tricky Atalanta Stakes. Plus there’s a decent looking two-year-old race at Sandown too. Here’s this week’s four to follow.

     

    Sandown

    Aheredia of the game

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    2:25 – Atalanta Stakes (Group Three) – Heredia @ 9/2 (William Hill)

    The Atalanta Stake is often a hard race to decipher. There have been three double-priced winners in the last four runnings. Another stat of the race is that only one five-year-old has won this race in its history (Lady Bear in 2003). There has, also, never been a dual winner of the race.

    This draws me to Heredia, who is making the step up to Group Three level for the first time in a year. She’s been very consistent, with two seconds and a convincing win last time out. Her ability to go on all kinds of ground shows that it won’t be a problem, but an outside draw may cause a small issue. But held up off the pace, she could make a late burst up the hill late on.

     

    Written in the stars?

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    3:38 – Solario Stakes (Group Three) – Starlore @ 2/1 (General)

    Breeding suggests that Starlore will win this race, as his sire Kingman did back in 2013. And plenty of favourites have won this and gone on to better things. Masar and Too Darn Hot are probably the most notable out of the last ten years, as well as Kingman.

    But Starlore may possess star quality. It might not have been a convincing debut when idling at the finish to hold on by a nose, but the form from that race has worked out, Arabian Crown in particular stands out. With a small field, and the best jockey on board (Ryan Moore), he seems a little overprices at 2/1.

    And talking of Starlore’s debut, Devil’s Point also franked the form when winning next time out at Ffos Las in convincing fashion. On debut, he only finished within one-and-a-half lengths of the winner and might not be far behind here at 11/2 (888Sport, BetVictor, BetUK)

     

    Beverley

    A rocket for the Bullet

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    2:40 – William Hill Beverley Bullet (Listed) – Apollo One @ 100/30 (William Hill, Betfred)

    Apollo One has had a quiet, yet consistent season. Four runs and four places, that isn’t bad form considering they were all in Class 2/Heritage Handicaps. But ground versatile, and with an ideal draw in stall two there may be nothing to stop this rocket finally grabbing a much needed win.

    But spare a thought for Tis Marvellous, the dual winner of the famous race. It could be the swansong for the legend of the Westwood and what a way it would be to bow out. He’s won from stall six before, and he may have the upper hand in what looks a tactical race. 7/1 (888Sport, BetVictor, Boylesports)

     

    Chester

    Flying to the front

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    3:20 – Chester Stakes (Listed) – Lone Eagle @ 100/30 (General)

    Lone Eagle’s best performance this season came over this C&D back in May. He finished behind Hamish, and hasn’t looked anything like that day in May since. It may be because he caught the Group One bug, disappointing in both the Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup.

    He’s tumbled down to Listed level, which should be his bread and butter, and Ralph Beckett will want to keep his winning streak in the race going landing the last two editions on the Roodee.

    Military Order hasn’t raced since the Derby, but a hike up in distance around a tricky track like Chester doesn’t fill me with confidence. And finishing last in the Derby speaks volumes that he didn’t like the track, and Chester is often a good trial to deal with the bends.

    The very best of luck!

  • Ante-post Analysis: Rage Could Be a Machine

    Ante-post Analysis: Rage Could Be a Machine

    Although we may complain about the quality and quantity of racing from time to time, you’d find it hard to crab what was an impeccable week of racing at the York Ebor Festival.

    From Relief Rally to Warm Heart, Absurde to Mostahdaf, the four-day event on the Knavesmire truly delivered competitive action and great results.

    Yes, this week may not be vintage, but Saturdays like this are still decent betting products and they make the big weeks of Flat racing even better.

    So, with that in mind, here are my ante-post plays for this coming weekend.

     

    Bamby to Beverley

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    The Listed Beverley Bullet is one of the feature races of the weekend worth £25,000 to the winner.

    Many of the 11 entries deserve respect – including York handicap winner Equilateral and last year’s victor Tis Marvellous – but it’s Rage Of Bamby at a general price of 14/1 that has grabbed my attention.

    Eve Johnson-Houghton’s daughter of Wootton Bassett is one of the few unexposed types at the distance as she finished a good second last time out in a fillies handicap win by Designer at York on her first start at five furlongs.

    She sat in midfield for the majority of the contest before Charlie Bishop sent her to win the race up the far side rail, and although she hit the front with over a furlong to go, her well-handicapped rival collared her on the line.

    The run was a bit surprising as for the majority of her career, she has been campaigned over longer trips, notably when second to Commissioning, a future Group 1 Fillies’ Mile winner, in the seven-furlong Group 2 Rockfel Stakes.

    If you watch back that run and stop the replay two furlongs from home, she looks like the obvious winner, however, she didn’t quite see out the trip, so this season’s drop in distance has been beneficial.

    Although her pedigree wouldn’t scream that five furlongs is her optimum trip, her damsire is Sakhee’s Secret who was a classy sprinter on his day, so there are glimmers to suggest the testing five-furlong course at Beverley could suit.

    With the added bonus of a five-pound three-year-old fillies’ allowance against the older colts and geldings, she is officially the best at the weights and if she can reproduce her York run, she has a good chance to return back to the winners’ enclosure.

     

    Beau on weather watch

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    It’s always difficult to know what the ground will be like days away from a raceday, however, a quick scan of the forecast predicts a washout day at Sandown on Thursday with potential spells of rain on Friday.

    This rain-softened surface could play into the hands of Astral Beau in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes, a general 9/1-shot.

    Fresh from a 50-day break, the four-year-old by Brazen Beau has improved from winning a handicap off a mark of 81 as a three-year-old to performing in top-class Group-level races.

    If conditions do take a turn for the worst, her Listed Doncaster Mile Stakes victory at the start of the season puts her in a good place to handle it, yet if for any reason Sandown misses the incoming rain – which shouldn’t happen – then her third in the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes on good-to-firm ground behind the Group 1-winning Prosperous Voyage also reads well.

    As for her other two starts this season, she‘a been unlucky to run into several fillies who are at the top of the division.

    Firstly, she finished third to Via Sistina in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes, a horse who has won the Group 1 Irish Oaks since, with Al Husn, a subsequent Group 1 Nassau Stakes winner, less than a length ahead of her in second.

    Fast-forward to her last start in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes, she was a good fourth behind the progressive Isaac Shelby (2nd) and Nashwa (1st).

    Nashwa has since finished second to Mostahdaf in the Group 1 Juddmonte International on her latest outing, franking the form of that race.

    Dropped in class for this weekend at the stiff one-mile Sandown course, Astral Beau looks a fair price at 9/1.

     

    Can’t leave Midnight Mile

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    Despite the strong case made for Astral Beau, I think Midnight Mile at 6/1 could be a dangerous rival for the Richard Fahey team.

    She performed with admiration in the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes over an extended 10.5 furlongs at Haydock last time out where she probably hit the front too soon and was soon overtaken by El Drama and Al Aasy, two good horses.

    Before that, the way she swept past her rivals in the Listed Lyric Stakes in July was impressive and she has good form behind Oaks winner Soul Sister from this season’s Musidora.

    Returning to a stiff mile on soft ground should see the best out of her, so if you don’t mind backing two horses at each-way prices, both Midnight Mile and Astral Beau deserve respect.

  • Four To Follow: Catch That, Paddy!

    Four To Follow: Catch That, Paddy!

    This week, the eyes of the sporting nation is on Edgbaston as The Ashes gets underway, read our preview here, which puts the racing towards the back of our minds. It’s a quiet week, but there’s action from York and Sandown to get stuck into, including a big sprint handicap. Here’s four to follow this weekend.

    SATURDAY

    Better Be Quick

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    York – 3:05 – Race To The Ebor Grand Cup (Listed) – QUICKTHORN @ 7/4 (BetVictor, William Hill, BetUK)

    The ground at York won’t be similar to the Ashes wicket this weekend. Hard and fast, dust will be flying. And one that could scorch the turf is Quickthorn, who’s name suggests is pretty fast. His Yorkshire Cup win, which was his last, was just under three and a half minutes, which was considered fast by the clock. He also looks to be the horse that is most suited to firm ground, despite never winning on the surface. Jason Hart picks up the ride in decent form, and last rode him when desperately losing the 2021 Ebor to Sonnyboyliston. It’s not a great renewal of the race, and the field shouldn’t be able to keep up.

    Caught Paddy, Bowled Ryan

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    York – 3:40 – Macmillan Sprint Heritage Handicap – Catch The Paddy @ 10/1 (10Bet)

    Once again, the firm ground will play a key factor in this sprint. High draws should favour, but don’t forget the low numbers too, they’ve dominated the last few years. But the pace looks to come from the high draws, and Catch The Paddy will be up for it. Firm ground is his friend, after winning last season over C&D in a 2-Y-O handicap. The form from the Gimcrack has worked a treat, and almost paid off at the Dante meeting. He’s been risen a lenient 2lbs, and might be hard to stop on the rattling ground at York. Kevin Ryan could discover his form he left behind at York last May.

    There are also two Tim Easterby runners, who just adores having winners in Yorkshire, and had a purple patch in this race between 2013 and 2017, winning three out of five. He runs Spirit Of Applause, who’s form shows that firm ground is perfect for him. Despite being at his highest mark, he has been dealt a good card in the weights. He’s drawn on the inside in stall six, which won’t be a problem, and can keep the Yorkshire winners coming for the Easterby team. The Great Habton trainer has had seven of his last nine winners in God’s Own County. 12/1 is a general price.

    Buccabay also looks an interesting each-way shout. Harry Davies is a great claiming jockey, having a Saturday winner last week at Haydock. Eve Johnson-Houghton is in good form too. A great partnership like that can produce a winner, and Buccabay looks to be on the improve. Fourth at Windsor shook a few more cobwebs off, and can pick up a place at 20/1 (General).

    Buick And Boughey To Scurry Away

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    Sandown – 2:50 – Scurry Stakes (Listed) – Perdika @ 3/1 (General)

    I’ve been following this horse for a while, and she came into her own when winning at Chantilly last time out. The ground described was ‘good’, but as is with French going readings they are always wrong. Good means good-to-firm in our reading. Which might explain why she’s always not got close enough to the winner. Firm ground is unexplored territory in this country, but it looks like her friend, along with the allowances she receives. A high draw is not bad on the sprint track at Sandown, particularly on firm ground.

    Watch out for Katey Kontent who loves the firm ground, after winning her first two races on it as a juvenile. She’s a quick horse, and could set a blistering time if she’s on song. Might be worth to have theses two in a reverse forecast too. But she’s overpriced at 18/1 (BetVictor).

    SUNDAY

    Running Redemption

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    Chantilly – PRIX DE DIANE (GROUP ONE) – Running Lion @ 11/4 (Unibet, Betfred)

    My Oaks pick Running Lion didn’t fancy running in the English Oaks, which caused Oisin Murphy to give us his best John McEnroe impression. But David Howden revealed before the Epsom Classic that this was the preferred target. She has plenty of talent, there’s no doubt, and can run on the ground if the French haven’t deceived us with the going report again. Blue Rose Cen is her main rival after her success in the French 1000 Guineas, and may look for bigger things for the Head team. Novakai would also be good each-way money, after Soul Sister pumped up the Musidora form. Novakai, for Karl Burke, is 25/1 (BetUK)

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow Sandown Jumps Final Day

    Four To Follow Sandown Jumps Final Day

    It’s the final jumps fixture of the season, and what a day it could turn out to be. Kitty’s Light reappears in the bet365 Gold Cup, Hewick aims to end his season on a high and Jonbon makes an appearance too. Here are four to look out for on a smashing Sandown card.

    1:05 – Novices’ Championship Hurdle Final – Killaloan @ 5/1 (William Hill)

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    Killaloan has rather fallen under the radar for the Paul Nicholls brigade, but looks like a progressive young horse. Winning his last three, impressing last time out winning off top weight. It’s a big step up in grade, but the way Killaloan is going, he should be able to handle it. Plus, winning ground on soft is a big plus today.

    Holetown Hero also have to be given a shout for the Nicholls team. Second to Inneston last time out, he’s finished in the top four in all starts this season. He should perform on the ground after his performance at Newton Abbot, only losing by a length.

    Kansas Du Berlais is also worth a shout, after progressing through his last two runs. He turns out quickly after winning at Fontwell last week by 16 lengths. A good win on heavy ground shows this Gary Moore horse is versatile and should handle the track well.

    1:40 – Celebration Chase (Grade One) – Captain Guinness (W/O Jonbon)

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    No prices are out yet on the without market, but Captain Guinness has to finish either behind, or in front, of Jonbon. It’s the first time Jonbon is stepping into open company, but this is the time to do it. He obliterated the field at Aintree and this is going to be a tougher test against seasoned chasers. Captain Guinness has improved no end this season. Second behind Energumene in the Champion Chase and second at the Dublin Racing Festival. Soft ground won’t be a problem and may just get the better of Greaneteen into second.

    2:15 – bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase – Kitty’s Light @ 7/2 (General)

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    I’ve seen the light. Kitty’s Light is one of the best handicap horses, possibly, of the season. Winning the Eider and the Scottish National aren’t easy feats, and a slight drop in distance will not trouble him. And if Christian Williams is happy turning him out in the space of a week, then he must be trusted. He also races off the same mark of 140, five pounds lower than last year (he finished third), and a pound bigger than the 2021 run (he finished a narrow second). Escaping the penalty is a massive plus.

    Nicholls has been rather bullish about Enrilo. He says that he’s back to his best, after four poor performances, but he’s had a layoff and he could come back with a bang. He was rated 145 last year, and pulled up, but was first past the post in 2021 off 143. This time he’s way down to 137, and if Nicholls is to be trusted, he may go and beat Kitty’s Light.

    2:50 – Oaksey Chase (Grade Two) – Solo @ 7/2 (BetUK)

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    Solo, in terms of the prices, is the pick of the race. Hewick is far too short and looks at tad too unreliable after falling at Cheltenham. He had a great win at Sandown last year in the bet365 Gold Cup, but with the unseat at Listowel and the fall at Cheltenham. He’s just a tad to unreialbe to be as short as he is. Solo has had a great season after winning at Kempton last time out, but he started his campaign at the Esher track, on similar conditions. Nicholls always aims and places his horses well, and loves this meeting, which draws me in to back him at a more respectable price than Hewick’s.

    The very best of luck!