Kicking on into the new year with a 4 race ITV card from Sandown park. The ground is currently Soft with a chilly forecast so expect the ground to improve. Good fields sizes mixed with a healthy crowd will make for a great day of racing including 2 bonus races from Wincanton.
All runners and riders Below
13:50 Read Nicky Henderson's Weekly Unibet Blog Handicap
Chase Turf, Handicap Class 2
Distance: 2 miles & 4 furlongs
Going: Soft
Runners: 8
Prize money: £20,812
Our Selections
To win: Jupiter Du Gite
Keen going front-runner who is inconsistent recently. Most recent run was a bold showing over 3 mile so this drop in trip should suit. Freddie Mitchell has won on him twice.
Each-way: Unexpected Party
Class angle to the race who won the Grand Annual last March. Has shown glimpses of retained ability, step up in trip in trip is slightly concerning but with jockey claiming 3 pounds, he could close.
14:25 Try Unibet's New Smartview Racecards Mares' Hurdle
Hurdle Turf, Listed Class 1
Distance: 2 miles & 4 furlong
Going: Soft
Runners: 6
Prize money: £22,780
Our Selections
To win: Della Casa Lunga
Two handicap wins from the front at Ludlow and in Listed company at Kempton in November. Also, won a Handicap at Kempton at Christmas. Shorter trip and turned out only 8 days later is a concern but her form is much the best here.
We will give no each-way for the race with only 6 runners.
15:00 Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase (2024 Veterans' Chase Series Final)
Chase Turf, Handicap Class 2
Distance: 3 miles
Going: Soft
Runners: 9
Prize money: £51,440
Our Selections
To win: Eldorado Allen
Had two loads of wind surgery in January and August. Won two minor races after the 2nd wind surgery. Ran a decent 3rd running on behind Copperhead last time out, is currently of his lowest chasing mark since 2021.
Each-way: Fortescue
C&D winner in 2021 but is on a losing run since 2022, needs to improve on this years form but Henry Daly's horses are in fine form and improvement on recent runs could happen.
15:35 Free Bet With Unibet's Betbuilder Rebound Handicap
Hurdle Turf, Handicap Class 3
Distance: 2 miles
Going: Soft
Runners: 9
Prize Money: £15,609
Our Selections
To win: Oh My Johnny
Fell in his sole point to point and did so again at Bangor when running well and that form is boosted. Easy win at Uttoxeter last month and this 5 year old looks to have a bright future, another yard in flying form.
Each-way: Spirits Bay
All races on softer then good ground, including 4 wins. Promising reappearance at Cheltenham three weeks ago when taking 2nd when making a mistake at the last then he ran on for 5th should be involved.
Wincanton
14:40 Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Handicap Chase
Chase Turf, Handicap Class 3
Distance: 2 miles 4 furlongs
Going: Soft
Runners: 7
Prize money: £13,203
Our selections
To win: Nocte Volatus
Failed to bring up the hat-trick at Ascot, ran well behind the winner who has since won again in a hot race at Cheltenham. Jockey takes of 7 pounds who also gets on well with him.
Each-way: Le Ligerien
Won on most recent start at Lingfield but this is much tougher but he did win easy, up 7 pounds but has won of higher previously.
15:15 Unibet More Extra Place Race Handicap Hurdle
Hurdle Turf, Handicap Class 3
Distance: 2 miles 5 1/2 furlongs
Going: Soft
Runners: 9
Prize money: £9,770
Our selections
To win: Kado De Joie
This will be his hat-trick after wins at Fontwell and Lingfield, 6 pound higher here but was ridden with confidence and won with abit in hand.
Each-way: High Game Royal
Had 2 near misses over 2 mile 7 furlongs but struggled in a Class 2 event at Cheltenham, consistent runner who looks well weighted here with Callum Pritchard taking away 7 pounds, goes on all ground.
We hope for ultra competitive races but most importantly all horses and jockeys come home safely. Good luck to all owners, trainers and jockeys!
Comments