Racing

Sandown Win 6 Preview | 26th April

13.20 bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle

An extremely competitive opener, so I’ll have an army of picks to hopefully get us through the first leg on the ticket. SERIOUS CHALLENGE is on a roll, winning his last three starts and is interesting on handicap debut. HMS PRESIDENT, WOLF MOON, MYTHICAL MOON all bring usual form to the table, while MARCHE D’ALIGRE, ST PANCRAS, JOHN BARBOUR and WE’RE RED AND BLUE are others to consider.

Tips: SERIOUS CHALLENGE, HMS PRESIDENT, WOLF MOON, MYTHICAL MOON, MARCHE D’ALIGRE, ST PANCRAS, JOHN BARBOUR & WE’RE RED AND BLUE

13.50 bet365 Josh Gifford Novices’ Handicap Chase

EYED would only need to reproduce his effort at Ayr from two weeks ago in order to go close in this race. He will be effective over this shorter distance and this course should suit this rapid improver, who remains well treated. He has a great chance in my opinion. Last-time-out winners MAHONS GLORY and CLASSIC ANTHEM can also be included.

Tips: EYED, BAD, MAHONS GLORY & CLASSIC ANTHEM

14.25 bet365 Oaksey Chase (Grade 2)

If GAELIC WARRIOR can handle the ground and back up his Aintree success then he should be hard to beat. I do worry about this course for him though and I do like his stablemate APPRECIATE IT, who is a class horse himself, and won in good style on his penultimate start. He cannot be dismissed at large odds. PIC D’ORHY has never been at his best here previously, but he’s having a good season and is feared most.

Tips: GAELIC WARRIOR, APPRECIATE IT & PIC D’ORHY

15.00 bet365 Select Hurdle (Grade 2) 

TAKE NO CHANCES has had a very good season and comes into this race on the back of two placed efforts at the highest level. Back down in class with her trainer trying to hold off Willie Mullins to take the trainers crown, I think she’s his best chance of a winner. LUCKY PLACE will find this easier than the Stayers’ Hurdle he contested last time out and is played as cover.

Tips: TAKE NO CHANCES & LUCKY PLACE

15.35 bet365 Celebration Chase (Grade 1)

With Nico on the sidelines, JONBON can deliver the goods for Mark Walsh. He’s unbeaten away from Cheltenham, and although he’s only had three weeks to recover from his Aintree success,  I think he’s going to prove a tough nut to crack. I can’t see anything that will beat him, as Energumene was disappointing at Cheltenham and Il Etait Temps’ fitness has to be taken on trust.

Tips: JONBON

16.10 bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase

RESPLENDENT GREY can round off an unbelievable season for Sean Bowen. This race looks tailor-made for him and the application of cheekpieces should be able to help him travel that touch better. His latest fourth in the National Hunt Chase was encouraging and he looks very well handicapped off 141 coupled with a low weight, so he has excellent claims. HIGH CLASS HERO, the choice of Paul Townend, and course specialist GOSHEN also merit consideration.

Tips: RESPLENDENT GREY, HIGH CLASS HERO & GOSHEN