Plenty of value to be had at Esher venue as Channel 4 cameras roll in
Sandown looks to have the pick of the jumps action on Saturday and the Channel 4 cameras will be showing a mix of top class racing and competitive handicaps, ensuring all punters are taken care of.
Henderson’s L’Ami Serge Destined For Big Things
The Tolworth Hurdle is the classiest race of the day but unfortunately only a field of 4 will line up in the race, leaving it somewhat a damp squib. Thelordbewithyou is one of those 4 runners and he has little to no chance of being competitive, making it effectively a 3 horse race. This could end up being a relatively straight forward task for likely favourite L’ami Serge. It’s been a very promising season so far for Nicky Henderson’s young hurdler and having won a Grade 2 race easily last time he can take this comfortably.
There could be a bit of value for forecast backers in the race if you can decide between Jolly’s Cracked It and Shelford. The latter was beaten off a mark of 134 last time out in handicap company so preference is for the 139 rated Jolly’s Cracked It.
Bertie Can Defeat Favourites In Competitive Handicap Chase
If competitive handicaps are more your cup of tea then look no further than the 3m handicap chase at 3.35. These staying chases at the Esher venue are always a good test of stamina, especially on the forecast soft ground. Equally important as stamina is form going right handed. Unioniste is likely to be near the head of the market but he looks worth taking on as he’s beginning to look a bit tripless and poorly handicapped. Admittedly, this is a step down in grade but there is better value elsewhere. Relax is interesting due to his strong course form but he might need more of a test than this and doesn’t look to be ahead of the assessor.
More interesting at a bigger price is Bertie Boru. His last two winning margins have been a head and a neck which means he hasn’t been hammered by the handicapper and both his wins have been in spite of racing over shorter, so the step up in distance will suit too. His jumping is a slight worry round here but he looks a strong bet.
Wishes Can Pay The Bill For Those Who Make The Right Bet
Staying at Sandown, the 2m handicap chase at 1.50 is a nice little contest. Mr Mole will be a warm favourite but he’s a bit of a character and all his winning has been done in very small fields when making all. Similar sentiments apply to Dance Floor King and that pair could end up cutting each other’s throats. William’s Wishes has rightly been outclassed on his last two starts but he’s run as if in form and is only 5lbs higher than when winning this race comfortably last year. He’ll appreciate a strong pace and looks a cracking punt here.
