As a former denizen of Tolworth (not far from Sandown for the curious!), I always take a keener than usual interest in a race that often proves to be informative. Indeed it's hard to believe that over 10 years have passed since Monsignor beat Best Mate and Snowdrop. The last three renewals have gone to a Paul Nicholls's runner and this year he saddles favourite Toubab. Seriously impressive last time, he looks to have solid claims but the form book suggests he may be vulnerable on the testing conditions. With that in mind, Minella Class must come into the reckoning after a comfortable win at Newbury. However, he looks more of a chasing type and if handling the ground the speedier Megastar could be the one. Difficult to assess his run last time due to the fog, but he looked a prospect previously at Ascot. (By the way, why were RUK showing reruns of the fog last week?). The other two runners, Red Merlin and Act of Kalinisi, also merit monitoring as they look like decent handicappers in the making.
There is plenty of action lined up for the weekend, including two of the season's more difficult handicaps. The Welsh Grand National always confounds me and it is no different this time. Synchronised looks an opposable favourite in a moderate field and Alan King's (back in form) Old Benny, off bottom weight is a sporting bet at 25s or bigger. A good winner at Cheltenham a few seasons back, lightly raced since and showed signs of revival last time.
Normally the MCR Hurdle (current moniker) at Leopardstown on Sunday, is equally perplexing but this year's race sees a horse of high potential in Prima Vista. I had the pleasure of seeing him in the flesh last time where he won with loads in hand. On that basis, he is bound to go off at skinny odds in a competitive race. As a rule, I am not one for backing short price favourites in 24 runner Handicap Hurdles (particularly at Leopardstown) but this one demands close attention!
good luck...
No comments:
Post a Comment