It’s been an ordinary enough week and I certainly haven’t had the rub of the green, but I have a lot of nice rides today so I’m hoping I can end the season with a winner or two. Things just didn’t quite go my way – Malpas would have won the other day but fell as would have Bellaney Gem, but she pulled herself up when in front and finished 2nd.
It’s the Jump Finale meeting at Sandown tomorrow where there is lots of Graded action and I have one ride. I’d also like to congratulate Harry Skelton on his title win. I’m now looking forward to next season – we have a strong team for the summer so I’m hopeful to be able to kick it off with a good start.
Saturday 24th April – Sandown
2.30pm – Oaksey Chase (Grade 2)
Frodon 4/6 is the highest rated, it looks a two-horse race between him and Mr Fisher who has a lot of letters by his name. I think the safer bet would be Frodon.
3.05pm – Celebration Chase (Grade 1)
Put The Kettle On 15/8 – my tip for the Champion Chase, I’m going to keep siding with her. She’s done nothing wrong all year but she’s never run at Sandown which is the only question mark. Altior has had an interrupted season and it’s interesting he runs in first time cheek pieces – the team must think he’s not putting it all in or is being a bit lazy. The fact she’s getting 7lb off, has had a better year and Henry de Bromhead can seemingly do no wrong, so I’ll side with Put The Kettle On but I think it will be an interesting race.
3.40pm – Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
It’s a fairly open race – you could make a case for several of these. One of these I like at a big price is Neil Mullholland’s Doing Fine 28/1 – Sandown seems to bring the best out of him, he’s won twice and without an obviously standout in the race I think he’s nicely weighted to run a big race. Obviously Enrilo, who’s a Novice, runs for Paul Nicholls and it will be interesting to see how he gets on but Doing Fine is my each-way pick.
4.15pm – Select Hurdle (Grade 2) – Clondaw Caitlin
I ride Clondaw Caitlin (SP) who won a Grade 2, the Premier Novice’s Hurdle at Kelso on soft ground last season. She was 3rd to Galvin in a Novice Chase at Cheltenham this season. She then picked up a slight injury which kept her off for most of the season but returned to finish 2nd in a hurdle race, giving the winner 15lbs. This type of race would suit her better but I think she needs softer ground.
*All odds correct at time of writing.