Jackson to be king of the Hill
Milton Harris and apprentice Kevin Jones have a fine chance of taking the two-mile Class 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown today.
Jackson Hill is in good form, as his second at Plumpton to War Lord, beaten a length, indicates. But he needs to improve again in this grade. That was on soft ground, so perhaps he’ll handle the deep conditions today, which some of his rivals may struggle with.
Jackson Hill gets weight from them all and, if his rider can lie a little closer to the pace than at Plumpton, they could prevail. Nelson’s Touch may be good enough for the opening apprentices’ race. He has experience on heavy ground and at today’s trip.
Last time, he was beaten a length at Newton Abbot by course specialist Tamarillo Grove, over two miles, two- and- a- half furlongs.
The extra furlong-anda-half will help, and he’s just 1lb higher than when second in a Sandown Listed handicap on heavy ground.
Protektorat has a mark of 132, having run in Grade 2 races the last twice, and will find the maiden hurdle much more appropriate.
His one run in France, when second to Fraca De Thaix, was on soft-to-heavy ground and he may have too much class for a trappy-looking field.
SELECTIONS
NAP – Jackson Hill (Sandown 2.55). DOUBLE – Nelson’s Touch (Sandown 12.45). TREBLE – Protektorat (Sandown 1.50).
LATE WIRE
It will be a long way home at Ffos Las for Prudhomm, with his penalty. But he still has the ability to go in again against these. SELECTION Prudhomme (Ffos Las 1.25).