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13:50 Sandown – Bothwell Bridge
These novice handicaps give a chance to some of the lower-rated horses in these contests and that makes it harder for the top-rated horses to succeed. However, I’m sticking with BOTHWELL BRIDGE as Nicky Henderson’s runner has schooled well recently and has ran some good races, he could also be still on the up off his mark.
Champagne Well is interesting and a scroll through some of his form will tell you why. He finished a good third at Carlisle to Remastered last year and Fergal O’Brien’s charge was rated a lot higher than his current mark at one time. He showed his ability when winning at Plumpton off only 1lb lower over hurdles last time and the only concern I have is his jumping. He can be a little faint-hearted and if he gets in a muddle, his jumping will fall apart.
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14:05 Exeter – Boothill
I reckon this Novices’ Chase could come down to who puts in the best round of jumping and Adrimel cannot be underestimated. Tom Lacey’s runner won a Grade 2 Hurdle at Warwick at the start of the year when making a lot of the running. If he gets away, he will not be passed.
However, I really like BOOTHILL and feel he is only going to be better over fences after a very good first run in a handicap over hurdles at Ascot last time out.
14:25 Sandown – Brave Kingdom
I was really taken with BRAVE KINGDOM’s performance at Chepstow last month where he saw off Camdonian by nine-and-a-half lengths in a very good time. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding just skipped over the obstacles and will take a bit of catching in this contest with just five runners declared.
14:40 Exeter – L’Homme Presse
L’HOMME PRESSE bolted up at Chepstow last season before running better than his finishing position in a smart race at Sandown back in April. He was very raw last year and I am hoping that the floodgates will open for the Venetia Williams team after her big win in the Ladbrokes Trophy last weekend. Tile Tapper is another horse that I am keeping an eye on and he is worth following, as he should be winning shortly.
15:00 Sandown – Out On The Tear
Sam Allwood may be a young trainer with a small string, but I have been impressed with their performances. He has been relatively quiet recently, but I saw OUT ON THE TEAR run a very good race at Worcester last time in a race that has worked out well since. He is a good jumper, who is lightly raced and this contest could be a really good opportunity for him. Desque De L’Isle is the obvious danger, but Venetia Williams has reached for a 10lbs claimer for the joint top weight so maybe she feels he is not well handicapped.
15:15 Exeter – Gwencily Berbas (Each-Way)
GWENCILY BERBAS runs for owner Aidan Ryan, who I rode my very first Grade 1 winner for! He used to be trained in Ireland by Eric McNamara, but is now with David Pipe. He is a good traveller in his races and with so much pace on it could turn into a bit of a war. However, he is worth chancing with so many of the fancied ones being confirmed front runners.
15:35 Sandown – Stoner’s Choice
Fergal O’Brien’s string has been flying this season and STONER’S CHOICE could add to his already impressive total. He was a good third at Kempton early in November and he will be sharper for that. He also been dropped 1lb by the handicapper and could well get the better of the Philip Hobbs runner, Pileon.
Mick Fitzgerald tips summary:
13:50 Sandown – Bothwell Bridge
14:05 Exeter – Boothill
14:25 Sandown – Brave Kingdom
14:40 Exeter – L’Homme Presse
15:00 Sandown – Out On The Tear
15:15 Exeter – Gwencily Berbas (Each-Way)
15:35 Sandown – Stoner’s Choice
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