Racing

Sandown Win 6 Preview | 1st February

12.50 Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Novices’ Hurdle

DIAMONDS FOR LUCK finished runner-up in his first two starts in this sphere before easily going one better at Wetherby and should have plenty more to come. He is the one to beat, though OLD COWBOY represents a stable that has a good recent record in this race and is feared most, ahead of NOBLE PARK.

Tips: DIAMONDS FOR LUCK, OLD COWBOY, NOBLE PARK

13.25 Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

The form of IN LIMBO’s fourth on debut is just about the strongest form on display, which has produced subsequent winners since, and with the step up in trip and testing ground likely to suit, he’s worth an interest. GRAND GESTE has placed in his last three starts over further and should go well too, likewise three-time winner SOLE SOLUTION and KALIF D’AIRY.

Tips: IN LIMBO, GRAND GESTE, SOLE SOLUTION & KALIF D’AIRY

14.00 Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Chase

CLASSIC MAESTRO has an amazing record over two miles, which reads six wins and a second from seven starts, and his positive way of racing and aggressive jumping should see him to good effect around this venue. The seven-year-old is fancied to extend his excellent strike rate under rules. ETALON has good course form and will like the ground, so he’s considered for backup purposes.

Tips: CLASSIC MAESTRO, ETALON

14.35 Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase

Given how impressive he was on chase debut at Cheltenham, JANGO BAIE must be respected as the runner-up has boosted the form since. He was behind HANDSTANDS over hurdles last season but is clearly a better chaser and has every chance of turning the form around. The latter must be included on the back of a comfortable win at Ffos Las, while KALIF DU BERLAIS, who has won five of his seven starts, cannot be ruled out.

Tips: JANGO BAIE, HANDSTANDS, KALIF DU BERLAIS

15.07 Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle

DARTMOOR PIRATE has made the frame in five starts in this sphere since scoring on his hurdles debut, and the form of each defeat has worked out really well. His latest second to a 140-plus rated horse on his first go over this trip was solid, as was his fourth in last season’s EBF Final here. I really like his chances. Dual course winner HENRI THE SECOND and DEEP CAVE are others worth a second look.

Tips: DARTMOOR PIRATE, HENRI THE SECOND, DEEP CAVE

15.42 Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase

GUSTAVIAN will be in his element under today’s conditions and was very unlucky not to win at Aintree last time out. He remains 6lb below his last winning mark and has a great chance to resume winning ways. The hat-trick-seeking O’CONNELL and Grade 1 winner GELINO BELLO must merit consideration as well.

Tips: GUSTAVIAN, O’CONNELL, GELINO BELLO