12:45 Sandown – GOSHEN
Goshen was a rapid improver on the Flat, winning each of his final three starts, and created an excellent impression when making a successful hurdles debut at Fontwell last month. He was rather raw in his technique but highlighted his big engine by pulling clear to win by 23 lengths. He rates an extremely exciting prospect for Gary Moore.
13:20 Sandown – JOHNBB
Johnbb showed fairly useful form when landing a maiden hurdle at Ayr earlier this year and made a promising start to life as a chaser when third in a warm-looking novice at Aintree on his return last month. He’s lightly raced, open to improvement over fences and represents the in-form Tom Lacey, so gets the vote ahead of the progressive Paddy’s Poem and Awake At Midnight.
13:55 Sandown – CANELO
Canelo shaped encouragingly on his chasing bow when third in what looked a strong novice handicap over course and distance last month. The winner of that event has gone in again since and Alan King’s charge looks a big player here if able to build on that form.
He was making his first start for 19 months on that occasion, and his jumping may improve with experience, so he is entitled to progress from that comeback. My Way probably would have won but for falling heavily at the final fence at Plumpton last time and rates a big threat if that has not had an impact on his confidence.
14:25 Sandown – EMMAS JOY
Emmas Joy, a point and bumper winner, created a taking impression when opening her account over hurdles at the second attempt at Warwick, making all the running and pulling clear in the straight to win by 13 lengths. She is a fine prospect for Dan Skelton and, with this step up in trip sure to suit, will likely take the beating.
Ofalltheginjoints made a successful hurdles debut at Chepstow in October and was even better in defeat behind another good prospect of Skelton’s at Kempton last time, so is not taken on lightly for the in-form Colin Tizzard yard.
14:55 Sandown – LE BOIZELO
Le Boizelo last won at Wincanton in January 2018 but has slipped in the weights since. However, he showed he retains all his ability when third at Exeter early last month. He ran into a horse who was well ahead of his mark that day and may have finished second had his rider not dropped his whip, so he has an obvious chance off just a 2 lb higher mark.
Le Reve should strip fitter for his third in a veterans’ event over this course and distance last month and he can pose the biggest threat.
15:30 Sandown – POP THE CORK
Pop The Cork, a fair maiden on the Flat, showed aptitude for hurdling when finishing runner-up at Perth on his debut over obstacles, and he took his form to another level when scoring in ready fashion at Uttoxeter in October.
He boasts excellent claims here in receipt of a hefty weight-for-age allowance and gets the nod to make it two wins from three starts in this sphere.
Picks Summary
- 12:45 Sandown – GOSHEN
- 13:20 Sandown – JOHNBB
- 13:55 Sandown – CANELO
- 14:25 Sandown – EMMAS JOY
- 14:55 Sandown – LE BOIZELO
- 15:30 Sandown – POP THE CORK