PATRON COMES BACK FOR MORE
SAM’S IMPROVING SORT HAS REAL ED FOR HEIGHTS
LE PATRON (2.35) can show them who’s boss in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown today.
Gary Moore’s youngster is already a Grade One winner, springing a 16-1 surprise in the Henry VIII at this course last time.
And that was no fluke, with runner-up Colonel Harry and third home JPR One boosting the form since.
The return to a longer trip should be fine and he’s shown he likes these fences, so 7-2 is a nice price.
Colonel Harry reopposes and is respected but Hermes Allen looks the biggest danger, although there’s little juice in his price.
Djelo can’t be ruled out either, while Nickle
Back could outrun his odds at a track that will suit his bold jumping.
Monster
A shot at a monster trip for the first time can put UNIVERSAL FOLLY (2.15) back on the scoresheet in the bet365 Edinburgh National at Musselburgh.
After landing a hattrick in October, Nicky Richards’ chaser ran second in a three-miler behind the classy Giovinco.
He looked all over like he was crying out for a test like this four miles, rallying powerfully in the closing stages having seemed the first beaten turning for home.
Richards has long had it in his mind to try this fellow over a marathon trip, and Universal Folly gets the chance to prove it’s the right move today.
Earlier on the card, the lightly raced General Officer (1.40) is improving and lines up for the bet365 Frodon Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at the top of his game.
He gets the vote ahead of class act Monmiral and the dangerously unexposed Irish raider Jackpot de Choisel.
Freddie Gingell will be brimming with confidence after winning the Clarence House and can enjoy another day in sun on AFADIL (2.50) in the bet365 Scottish County Hurdle.
Rival
He ran well last time behind today’s rival Benson but didn’t quite see it out over 2m4f, so the drop back to his best trip of 2m on today’s better ground will hopefully put him in the mix.
Down at Sandown, the €230,000 purchase Classic Anthem (1.25) can continue to repay his hefty price tag, while Saint Segal (2.00, nb) is given another chance in the Virgin Bet Money Back Handicap Chase.
He could have won both his last two starts if his jumping had been sharper and he has a win in him off his current mark.
SAINT DAVY (3.10, nap) was considered good enough for a tilt at a Grade One last season, although that challenge came a bit soon.
But that is his only defeat in four starts under rules and today’s Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle looks well within his compass.
He beat a battle-hardened sort in Emitom last time and a 6lb rise may not stop him.
DOM OF MARY (3.45) ran a career-best when scooting 10 lengths clear in the Sussex National and can defy a 9lb rise in the Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase.