Hi all,
Our lass tested positive for Covid19 on a PCR early in the week and I have tested positive on a couple of lateral flow tests. I’m now waiting for a PCR to confirm my status. So far, fingers crossed we seem to only have heavy cold symptoms. Although I have spent the last couple of days in bed, I haven’t watched any of the racing. You can see why they say “brain fog” is one on of the early symptoms.
The Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase is the highlight of a seven-race card at Sandown on Saturday Hopefully we’ll see Chacun Pour Soi come over from Ireland to take on Nube Negra. The Henry VII Novices’ Chase (1.50) is the other Grade 1 on the card. Add in some potentially competitive handicaps and you have the makings of great card with decent field sizes.
It’s not just Sandown on Saturday though. Aintree hosts an eight-race card which includes the Becher Handicap Chase (2:40) run over the National fences and the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase (2:05). ITV are covering four races live from Sandown and four from Aintree as part of an eight programme this afternoon.
Today’ piece is shorter than normal for a Saturday and I assume you will appreciate why.
Aintree
12:55 – Galahad Quest, a useful novice handicap chaser last season, returned from a summer break with a promising 3rd of 10 at Wetherby. Before finishing a 5 ½ lengths 5th of 19 to Midnight Shadow in Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and should be able to defy his current mark.
Palmers Hill returned from am 8-month absence to win with more in hand than the 1 ¼ length margin of victory suggests at Wetherby last month. The 8-year-old hasn’t been the easiest to keep sound. A 4lb rise in the weight likely underestimates him if he’s as good on softer ground.
2:40 – Unibet Becher Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – 3m 2f
The National fences are back in action with 22 handicap chasers set to meet the starter for what looks a good renewal.
Last year’s race was won by Vieux Lion Rouge who had also been successful in the 2016. The 12-year-old is 5lb higher than 12 months ago but he won by 24 lengths that day so that small rise in the weights shouldn’t stop him from going close again this year. The going could be key to whether he can make it back-to-back wins in the race. He does like soft ground.
Snow Leopardess has been aimed at this race all season and the mare must be respected on her recent Bangor seasonal reappearance success. The mare jumped well last time and although she’s been raised 5lb for that success is on the upgrade. Must be high on the shortlist.
Achille missed the whole of 2020 but returned earlier this year in better form than ever. Finishing a ½ length 2nd of 13 in the Classic Chase at Warwick on hid first start for 14 months. Before finishing a ½ 2nd of 9 in the Grand National Trial at Haydock. Handicapped to go well and stays further than 3m 2f but whether hold tactics will be suited here I’m not sure.
Sandown
3:00 – Betfair Exchange London National Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 3m 5f
Deise Aba is 2-2 at Sandown winning twice over 3m. The last of those wins came in February off 3lb lower. The 8-year-old made a promising return to action over hurdles when a neck 2nd of 11 at Aintree 28-days ago. Not the most consistent of horses but probably deserves to head the betting albeit he looks plenty short enough to me.
Strictlyadancer has won his last three starts. Up 7lb for his last win but I don’t think we have seen the best of the 7-year-old just yet. Goes well on good/good to soft ground so no problems with underfoot conditions but does he stay 3m 5f? If he does, I think he wins this.
No issues with the trip for Salty Boy who won the Southern National at Fontwell last time by 5½ lengths last time. This a better race but he’s thorough stayer and can’t be easily dismissed off 5lb higher than at Fontwell.
3:35 – Metier won his first three starts over hurdles last season, including the Grade 1 Tolworth Novices Hurdle over C&D in January. Well, beaten in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen in action. First start in handicap company over hurdles but has a touch of class but may need even softer ground.
Benson was another to win his first three starts last season, including this race off 8lb lower. Shaped with encouragement when a 9-length 5th of 11 at Cheltenham last month. That was his first run since wind surgery and he possibly found the 2m 5f stretching his stamina that day. Better expected here back over 2m.
Betting Advice:
Aintree
12:55 – 1pt win – Galahad Quest – 4/1 – Gen
2:40 – 1pt win – Snow Leopardess – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Vieux Lion Rouge – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Sandown
3:00 – 1pt win – Salty Boy – 13/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
3:35 – 1pt win – Benson – 4/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook
Cheers
John