Big player
BREAKAWAY TO WIN DUEL
WITH £30,000 up for grabs in the big race of the day, it is hard to understand why only Chantry House and THE BIG BREAKAWAY
(2.10) will be on the start line at Sandown Park.
Tactics and fitness will decide the outcome of this three-mile Future Stars Intermediate Chase but with a race under his belt and the stable back in good form, I marginally prefer the Colin Tizzard charge.
This lanky and scopey individual only needs a clear round to make his race fitness and the 6lbs he receives from his higher-rated rival prove the difference even though you could reasonably argue it is merely a toss of the coin.
This time last year, ON TO VICTORY
(2.45) was galloping through the Doncaster mud to land the November Handicap.
And this afternoon, he should land another nice prize in the £20,000 Kingston Handicap Hurdle.
Fit from a decent Flat season, the Alan King inmate is one pound below his last winning mark over hurdles in January and certainly won’t be phased by the testing conditions at the Esher track.
Take the seven-year-old to land the nap at the main expense of course and distance winner and unexposed top weight Hudson De Grugy.
The hugely popular veterans’ handicap chase series continues this afternoon and with several of the seven entries better suited by good ground, this should go to the bottom weight
(3.15).
The Victor Dartnall-trained 12-year-old ran well on his seasonal debut at Chepstow last month and the more rain that falls, the better his chance with the stiff uphill finish also very much in his favour.
At the back end of the card, the Gordon Elliot raider LIEUTENANT HIGHWAY
(3.45) can take the dosh back home to Ireland by taking the bumper following a tidy career debut at Punchestown.
At Ffos Las, Eden du Houx has always promised more than he has actually delivered and although a wind operation may see him go close in the big novices’ handicap chase, he may still have to give best to ZAMBEZI FIX (1.55).
The Bernard Llewellyn-trained runner is at his best in deep ground and took on some classy opposition last season.
This drop back to the minimum trip looks made to measure and selection has the toe to take care of his six rivals.
With his Fontwell Park debut behind him, OTTOMAN STYLE (2.30) can lose his maiden tag at the second time of asking, while old boy COURT DUTY
(4.10) has been given a real chance by the handicapper.