SATURDAY
SANDOWN PARK
2.00 EBF WILLIAM HILL NATIONAL HUNT NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE FINAL – 2 M 4 F
Aigle De La See looks a useful acquisition to the Nicky Henderson yard. He won like a seasoned professional on his racecourse debut over the course and distance back in January seeing off After Eight Sivola and Monbeg Theatre. He was sent off at prohibitive odds at Ffos Las last time in what would have been a qualifier for this particular race. He could beat only what was in front of him and did so easily. Barry Geraghty rides him for the first time, but he looks an uncomplicated sort, and with the yard winning this particular race twice in the last five years he has to command ultimate respect.
WOLVERHAMPTON
2.50 LADBROKES LINCOLN TRIAL HANDICAP – 1 MILE 14YDS
Billingsgate did not enjoy his recent trip to Dubai where he was beaten fair and square in a valuable handicap. A 51 day break and a return to home soil should see him to much better effect. He is a four time winner at this trip and two of those wins have come on an artificial surface. He remains one of the lesser exposed sorts in the field and with Shane Gray taking off an invaluable three pounds he has to be considered.
SANDOWN
3.10 WILLIAM HILL IMPERIAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE (GRADE 3) – 2 MILES
Bidourey represents a yard that have an excellent record in this particular race. David Pipe has won three of the last eight renewals of this event and his promising four year old, who remains undefeated should be capable of going very close. Bidourey’s most recent victory actually came over this course and distance where he absolutely dotted in by no fewer than 15 lengths. He remains completely unexposed and will be going for a massive bonus if he can win here and then goes on to win at the Cheltenham Festival later in the week where he is entered for the Fred Winter. Tom Scudamore has partnered him in every race thus far and he is yet again on board this afternoon. The duo looks formidable and if repeating the promise they have shown so far they have to be high on any shortlist.
