Clan can be the prize guy at Sandown
RUNNERS are scarce in the premier Sandown events today, but there is no doubting the quality of the five who contest the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase.
CLAN DES OBEAUX (Sandown, 2.25) is the youngest in the field at five years old but arguably boasts the greatest potential, even if he lines up in this Grade One race on the back of a narrow Cheltenham defeat on New Year’s Day.
The frustrating reverse at the hands of Whisper will be seen by many as a below-par effort, but his conqueror has found his form over fences this term and the selection’s bad blunder two fences from home dramatically changed the dynamic of that contest.
In the circumstances, Clan Des Obeaux, trained by Paul Nicholls, did well to rally and finish within half a length of Whisper and he should relish the likelihood of a decent gallop with Amore Alato and Baron Alco sure to go quick.
Stablemate Le Prezien is overlooked even though he has done little wrong in three chase starts this term but as a truly run two-and-a-half miles may not be ideal at this stage of his career.
Buveur D’Air (Sandown, 1.50) faces a straightforward test on his return to hurdles and there will be some long faces at Seven Barrows if Nicky Henderson’s Champion Hurdle aspirant does not win the Contenders Hurdle.
He will be no price though and a small investment on ROLLING DYLAN (Sandown, 3.0) may offer value seekers a little more enjoyment.
The six-year-old sports the cheekpieces for the first time and that may help the selection, who rather lost concentration at Chepstow last time when picked off late by the useful Shantou Bob.
Musselburgh stages a terrific weekend’s action and the bet365 Scottish County Hurdle features Drumcliff, one of the best handicapped jumps horses in training at Harry Fry’s stables.
The gelding will be tough to beat after an unlucky loss last time, but TRADITIONAL DANCER (Musselburgh, nap, 3.15) is trained by Iain Jardine, who won the race with Shrewd 12 months ago and his only eclipse this term came on soft ground over a trip in excess of his best at Cheltenham two starts ago. The selection was only beaten by a length in a similar race on New Year’s Day and could be some value against Fry’s southern raider. DOUVAN, as short as 1-3 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase next month, faces just three rivals in tomorrow’s Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown.