Sandown survives, which means we can get on with a high-class day of action that includes two Grade One’s, and some competitive handicaps. Let’s see who is going to tackle a tricky Esher track well today.
Second No More
1:15 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle – Henri The Second @ 4/1 (General)
Following the Paul Nicholls’ trend this season, Henri The Second should have come on the for run after returning to hurdles here. However, he steps up to three miles for the first time but will shape up like he will need it. He’s a half-brother to chaser Enrilo so should have plenty of energy in the tank as well. He looks the ideal candidate, with a slight drop in the weights.
Despite the outsider, Up For Parol looks to have a decent each-way chance. He’s been consistent for quite a while and has placed in this company before, when racing in the 2023 Lanzarote Hurdle. Trainer Jamie Snowden is in good form with both winners and places too, so should be round about at the finish. 14/1 (General).
Worth A Touch
1:50 – Henry VIII Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – Touch Me Not @ 9/2 (William Hill)
This will be a small but competitive novice’s chase, particularly with two Irish raiders making their way over. L’eau Du Sud and Down Memory Lane look talented themselves but Touch Me Not has the best experience on soft ground and is a Grade Two winner. L’eau Du Sud was the winner of a weaker Grade Two, which may lead to him getting beaten.
On For Jonbon?
3:00 – Tingle Creek Chase (Grade One) – Quilixios @ 6/1 (William Hill)
Considering Jonbon doesn’t have to beat much in Great Britain, he faces a tougher test to retain his Tingle Creek crown. There’s no doubt he won’t finish outside the top two, but in a hot field he can come under pressure.
Quilixios is a talented chaser, who just happens to be around at the same time as Energumene, Gaelic Warrior, Found A Fifty, etc. And his seven-and-a-half length victory beating odd-on favourite Marine Nationale at Naas, showed he has a good turn of foot too. Sandown should suit, the ground should suit, and his price should be a lot shorter than it is.
Van To Go
3:35 – London National Handicap Chase – Mr Vango @ 9/2 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet)
Mr Vango showed an incredible attitude and likeness for the marathon trips. But he could never get into a rhythm in the Scottish Grand National. He should be suited returning from a break today and might be the one to make the best of the worse conditions at Sandown. He still looks well handicapped off the same rating he had for the Scottish Grand National and Nico de Boinville is an attractive booking.
After his mishap in the Cross-Country Chase, Tommie Beau returns to the track with a more straightforward layout in front of him. Unless he takes the wrong final fence up the homestraight. He’s completely versatile on the ground and has competed in a few local Nationals before so can handle the marathon trip well. Not bad each-way at 10/1 (William Hill).
