Scilly shot for Twiston-Davies
In recent times, Sandown has been anything but a happy hunting ground for trainer nigel twiston-Davies.
However BRISTOL DE MAI (Sandown, nap, 2.25) could end the hoodoo in today’s Scilly Isles novices’ chase.
the Gloucestershire handler is without a winner at this afternoon’s venue in five years, statistics which hardly breed confidence in his exciting grey, who bids for a hat-trick having again impressed with a tremendous round of jumping at Haydock last time.
Ar Mad is the only horse to have beaten the selection over fences this season and he had to record a time five seconds faster than the 169-rated Sire De Grugy managed in winning the tingle creek chase, on the same card at Sandown, to win the race.
Bristol De Mai has gone from strength-to-strength since being stepped up in trip and his experience of Sandown should stand him in good stead for what looks an intriguing duel with the talented tea For two, favourite on the back of a powerful Grade One win at Kempton over christmas.
Like Bristol De Mai, the Kayf tara gelding has taken to his new vocation with enthusiasm and exuberance and will be a tough nut to crack.
However, I’m hoping twiston-Davies’ charge can take his main market rival out of his comfort zone and book his ticket to the cheltenham Festival.
Later on the card, LE REVE (Sandown, nb, 3.30) looks worth supporting to follow up his win in the corresponding race 12 months ago for in-form handler Lucy Wadham.
the son of Milan was not disgraced in a strongly-run renewal of the Sky Bet chase l ast weekend and should appreciate switching to Sandown.
All five of the eight-year-old’s career wins have been achieved going righthanded and the deeper ground should also benefit a horse with a track record over fences of 2133 at today’s venue.
there is some decent action on the all-weather and SHYRON (Lingfield, 3.30) looks worth supporting to atone for an unlucky defeat last time.
George Margarson’s gelding was stone last turning for home over course and distance on his latest start. He passed all but winner realize in the straight to snatch second but, hopefully, he will enjoy a clearer passage this time.