TERRMINATOR
Henderson star can destroy Scilly Isles rivals
TERREFORT can bridge the gap from handicaps to the top level by claiming the Grade 1 Betfred TV Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (2.25, ITV4) at Sandown today.
The French import created quite a stir on his debut for Nicky Henderson when landing a novice handicap chase at Huntingdon by 10 lengths. The handicapper has raised Terrefort 14lb, so Henderson must look to loftier company.
“How you could put him up a stone is anyone’s guess – it was an appalling race,” said the trainer.
“He was visually impressive, but they were a bad lot at Huntingdon. I just hope the handicapper’s right!” Henderson (below) need have no concerns as Terrefort is well worth his place at the top table. Daryl Jacob’s mount is already the best horse in the five-runner field, and, having just turned five, the grey has the scope to continue improving.
CONDITIONS at this time of year make for hard work, so don’t expect them to come flying home at Sandown today.
It’s always better to look for lighter-weighted contenders in these circumstances and that fits the main trend in the Betfred Heroes Handicap Hurdle.
We can quickly reduce the number of possible winners from 18 to only four by using the following stats: 10st 12lb or less. Rated 135 or lower. Winning form over at least two and a half miles.
An outing over the past 58 days. Nine or younger. From our shortlist, Fourth Act has been beaten too often from his current hurdle mark while Does your dog bite needs better ground — which leaves us with two selections.
The Dr Richard Newland-trained DASHING PERK has the beating of likely favourite Top of the game on a line of form through Criq Rock.
And the fact he’s twice the odds of the Paul Nicholls horse, is sure to act on the ground and stay the trip makes Jamie Moore’s mount worth 2pts win at 10-1 in places.
MAN OF PLENTY also makes a plenty of appeal as he’s fancied to improve back over this three-mile trip.
Have 2pts each-way at 33-1 with William Hill and bet365.