Speed just the ticket for Moore at Sandown

Trainer Gary Moore has enjoyed some unexpected festive surprises in recent days, but the claims of Unibet Tolworth Hurdle contender AUTHORISED SPEED (Sandown, nap, 2.25) look a good deal more obvious today. The West Sussex handler (below) witnessed editeur Du Gite take full advantage of edwardstone’s departure to land the Desert Orchid Chase at 28-1 before half-brother Jupiter Du Gite ran away with a newbury novice hurdle at 66-1 on new Year’s eve. Unsurprisingly, given his profile, there are no fancy prices around for authorised Speed, who is vying for favouritism following an impressive start to his hurdling career this winter.

The selection boasted the quality as a five-year-old to finish fifth behind Facile Vega in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, leading home the British contingent with a strong finishing effort from an uncompromising position. an impressive Lingfield debut over hurdles saw him bolt up by 15 lengths, before he built on that display over today’s course and distance under a penalty. admittedly, authorised Speed may not have beaten a great deal last time, with third-home Godot beaten in a Huntingdon handicap since — albeit he looked dangerous until a bad blunder three from home. However, for 90 per cent of his second start over hurdles, the son of Derby winner authorized travelled powerfully and hurdled tidily until a clumsy blunder at the final hurdle.

Such a seismic error would have stopped many novices in their tracks, especially on deep ground, but Moore’s powerful galloper picked up again to win easily. The presence of fellow unbeaten hurdler Tahmuras and irish raider arctic Bresil, well-backed for this afternoon’s showpiece hurdle, ensure this will be a tougher test for authorised Speed. However, the prospect of further rain will play to his strengths.