A contest Ivan can thrive in
IVAN looks a terribly good bet in the Unibet Veterans’ Chase final.
The culmination of this great series of races for old favourites at Sandown looks an ideal opportunity for SIR IVAN (3.00).
Harry Fry’s hope was third behind Seeyouatmidnight in this race 12 months ago and it doesn’t look as competitive this time round.
He has ground to make up on Final Nudge, having finished fourth behind him at Warwick in November, but he helped force a strong pace that day. I’m expecting him to be ridden with slightly more patience this time.
Have 3pts each-way at 10-1 with William Hill and Sky Bet paying out on five places.
BUN DORAN (1.50) has become seriously well weighted. He’s dropped 20lb in four runs and none of them have been particularly awful.
His last two efforts behind hot prospect Editeur Du Gite at Cheltenham showed the
spark is still there and this race is not as deep. Considering he was third in the Champion Chase less than two years ago, he should be able to outclass his rivals in this grade.
There’s only seven runners but Coral are still paying out on three places. Have 2pts each-way at 12-1.
I’m convinced ZAMBEZI FIX (3.35) has a race like this in him. He ran a cracker when runner-up behind Samarrive over this course and distance in December and he again made too many mistakes when returned to fences at Chepstow over Christmas.
The likely fast pace will be ideal so have 1pt each-way at 10-1.
MANVERS HOUSE (2.40) is another returning to hurdles having found jumping fences a bit of a struggle.
The handicapper has dropped him in the weights for two pulled up chase efforts and that makes him very interesting at Wincanton.
He ran well behind the likes of Chantry House, Fidelio Vallis and Fantastikas as a novice hurdler and he looks the type to respond positively to the cheekpieces he wears for the first time. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1 with Sky Bet paying out on five places.