Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Sandown and Wincanton on Saturday. View selections below.
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ELIXIR DE NUTZ (2.25) is fancied to continue Colin Tizzard’s good run by landing the Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.
The gelding strode clear of Jarveys Plate at Cheltenham in mid-December and the runner-up boosted the form in no uncertain terms on a return visit to Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, powering up the hill for a 13 lengths victory. Likely favourite Rathhill looked useful when winning a Newbury maiden for Nicky Henderson/ JP McManus but Elixir De Nutz sets the bar fairly high.
The veterans’ chase is a much more wide-open event, with 17 runners declared. Last year’s winner Buywise bids to follow up but RATHLIN ROSE (3.00) is the each-way call. David Pipe has his team in good nick and Rathlin Rose is a three-time course winner. The 11-year-old has been given a nice break since running fourth to Loose Chips in November.
MONSIEUR LECOQ (3.35) was different class from some modest opposition when landing some hefty wagers at Ffos Las and should be able to handle a rise in grade now going handicapping off what looks a lenient mark. He made all at the Welsh track and similar forcing tactics are likely to be employed.
MOLINEAUX (2.05) could be the answer to a tricky 2m 4f BetVictor Chase at Wincanton. The Tizzard-trained gelding was still in contention when hampered and unseated rider two out at Exeter and was a pretty smart hurdler last season. Caltex made a fine debut for Henry Oliver since switching from Gordon Elliott, chasing home Ballyhill at Aintree (pair clear). A 7lb rise for that defeat seems harsh but he should go well.
TEDHAM (2.40) moves into handicap company on the back of an excellent second to Getaway Trump in an Exeter novices’ hurdle back in early December. Getaway Trump underlined the value of that form by chasing home the very useful Champ at Newbury last week and Jonjo O’Neill’s five-year-old is a very interesting runner
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