SANDOWN
13:15 Read Nicky Henderson’s Unibet Blog Handicap Chase Class 3 2m 4f 10y
GEMIRANDE (5) won by 7.5L in a handicap chase at Southwell last timeout. Selected to deliver a fourth career success here today. CERTAINLY RED (3) looks a threat following a 17L win in a handicap chase at Wincanton. SCIPION (2) is versatile tactically and went well from the front when 12L third tackling a 2m 6f novices handicap chase at Uttoxeter in October. Notable runner following a short break. PRECIOUS ELEANOR (1) returned this campaign with a 44L fourth attempting the 3m Listed Bud Booth Mares Chase at Market Rasen in November. Better expected in this contest.
13:50 Unibet Horserace Betting Operator Of The Year Handicap Chase (GBB Race) Class 2 1m 7f 119y
GREY DIAMOND (5) finished 3.25L third attempting a 2m handicap chase at Cheltenham in November. He is selected to register a second-course win at Sandown today. CORRIGEEN ROCK (6) rates a big threat following a 7L win in a course and distance handicap chase. THE LAST DAY (1) won by 2.5L the G3 Red Rum Handicap Chase over 2m at Aintree in April. Shortlist on seasonal reappearance in this hot contest. XCITATIONS (4) delivered a neck success in a handicap chase at Doncaster. Warrants close consideration for those looking at bigger prices.
14:25 Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) Class 1 1m 7f 216y
AUTHORISED SPEED (2) completed a double winning by 6.5L a course and distance novice hurdle. Selected to maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles for Gary Moore. TAHMURAS (7) is expected to go well for a top yard following a 5.5L triumph in the Listed Newton Novices Hurdle over 2m at Haydock in November. ARCTIC BRESIL (1) won by 5.5L a competitive maiden hurdle at Cork. Could prove dangerous representing the top Irish stable. NEMEAN LION (6) placed second beaten 3.75L in a 2m hurdle at Haydock. Consider for the win for those looking to play against those at the top of the market.
15:00 Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase (2022 Veterans’ Chase Series Final) Class 2 3m 37y
RAMSES DE TEILLEE (1) won by 9.5L in a 3m handicap chase at Warwick. Selected to deliver a ninth career win for David Pipe here at Sandown today. SAINT XAVIER (16) was successful by 4L in a handicap chase at Haydock at the end of November and could prove dangerous with conditions to suit. SNOW LEOPARDESS (3) came home 20L eighth in a handicap chase tackling the Grand National fences at Aintree. A bold show is expected from this grey. PRIME VENTURE (10) switches to fences following a 19L fourth in a handicap hurdle at Ffos Las. Shortlist as a contender for the places but should find one or two a little too strong.
15:35 Unibet New and Improved Bet Builder Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) 16 Runners, Class 2 1m 7f 216y
ICEO (4) won first up last season and is taken to deliver a victory on his first start since a 4.5L fourth tackling the 2m G2 Dovecot Novices Hurdle at Kempton in February last year. LIGHTLY SQUEEZE (2) was successful by 4L attempting a 2m handicap hurdle at Kempton in November. Expected to challenge for the win. DJELO (6) placed second beaten 7L at Haydock in a handicap hurdle under testing conditions, he is shortlisted in this wide-open betting heat. DR T J ECKLEBURG (9) came home 3L second in a 2m handicap hurdle at Leicester. Warrants close consideration from an attractive mark.
WINCANTON
13:30 Virgin Bet Handicap Chase (GBB Race) Class 2 2m 4f 35y
CELEBRE D’ALLEN (5) won three times for this yard last season. Returned to action with a fair effort finishing fourth in November and could be fitter for that run. Holds strong claims and the one they all have to pass. ELIXIR DE NUTZ (4) returned to form when only beaten a neck on his second outing of the season. Back up in class and trip but cannot be ruled out. KILTEALY BRIGGS (2) made a winning start this prep with a victory in October before finishing fourth last month. Can be competitive. MESSIRE DES OBEAUX (3) returns from a lengthy absence however holds the ability to be involved if retaining his ability.
14:05 Virgin Bet Fives Handicap Chase Class 3 1m 7f 149y
DESQUE DE L’ISLE (6) has won his past two starts under this rider. Scored narrowly by a nose recently and back down in class can make it three in a row. INTERNE DE SIVOLA (5) is a previous hurdle winner. Well beaten both starts tackling fences and may benefit from this drop back in trip. NOT AVAILABLE (7) comes without a win in more than a year, however, went well when third last time. Holds minor claims. ANOTHER CRICK (4) found success over course and distance and warrants respect.
15:15 Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle Class 3 2m 5f 82y
CHIANTI CLASSICO (3) made it two from two over hurdles winning by 8.5L in December. Moves into handicaps for the first time and looks to hold a strong chance. JUBILEE EXPRESS (4) won on hurdling debut in March. Returned with a good effort when a neck second in November and could have further improvement to come. SIR PSYCHO (1) fell on chasing debut after more than two years off the track. Back hurdling and cannot be ruled out. STONER’S CHOICE (2) holds solid hurdle and fences form but could prove vulnerable to less exposed rivals.
