Sandown selections Saturday 8th March
The traditional pre-Cheltenham Saturday fixture at Sandown takes place today, with a late chance to boost funds before the big week. This year’s fixture takes place on ground more akin to the start of the flat season rather than the usual mid-winter bog we can get in Esher. I have selections for three of the bigger handicaps. We had each-way placed returns last week via Hymac (advised 6/1) and Saint Segal (SP 10/1).
Sandown 1.50: The Kemble Brewery & Belliano
We managed to get the forecast up in this race last season, and whilst that will be tough to follow here, I have two solid fancies for the race.
THE KEMBLE BREWERY has always been well regarded by trainer Kim Bailey and has an exceptional record when fresh. He won on his only start in the 2022/23 season and first time out in each of the two following campaigns. That included a win in a highly competitive Cheltenham bumper and he won on his first two starts over hurdles in the autumn with something to spare.
He was beaten when last season at Ludlow, just before Christmas, but that could be a blessing in disguise as that defeat restricted him to an opening handicap mark of 129, whereas another win there could have left him with too stiff a task. I suspect three runs in just a few weeks caught up with him and a mid-winter break could have done him the power of good. He does tend to jump right so going this way around is a bonus. A first time tongue-strap could be to his benefit as well. A speedy type, he should not mind the drying ground.
BELLIANO represents the Paul Nicholls yard that traditionally has done well in this contest. He has only been beaten by one horse in his entire career and that is Turners favourite The New Lion at Chepstow in the autumn. Since then he has won with plenty to spare over decent opponents at Ascot and Market Rasen.
It will have been very difficult for the handicapper to get a grip on his level of ability and I suspect that 125 could be an under-estimate. Stamina for this trip is already proven and the going was decent enough for both those two previous wins.
Sandown 2.25: Spirits Bay & Sorceleur
A wide open Imperial Cup in which there are a large number of potential front-runners in the line up. Two horse that can travel through from just off the pace are fancied.
SPIRITS BAY is a horse that looks ideal for a stiff 2m test. Whilst it would be unwise to take his 5l defeat behind Constitution Hill on Trials day at Cheltenham literally, it did confirm his liking for the undulating track given a solid run there in a handicap before Christmas. He was not so good around the tight Haydock circuit in January, but a truly run 2m here will suit.
Last season he won back to back at Exeter, which is as stiff a test as you can get and the presence of those front-runners will bring his stamina into play. He did not get home over 2m3f at Newbury last spring, but an end-to-end gallop over 2m will see him at his optimum.
SORCELEUR could only finish third in a handicap at Newbury last Saturday, but the ground was quite holding that day and I am sure he will be better on today’s drier conditions. He has already shown he can run back quickly when winning on consecutive days at Exeter and Wincanton to take advantage of the faster going at that point (albeit in much less exalted company).
He performed to a high level in bumpers, including a third in a listed Cheltenham contest and fifth in the Grade 2 on Grand National day at Aintree. He already has good form over 2m3f, so stamina is a strong point, so if as I suspect this race is run at a good pace throughout, he should be relied upon to get up the finishing hill.
Sandown 4.45: Triple Trade
A tricky looking finale is best left to the well handicapped TRIPLE TRADE.
It has always been something of a dilemma as to whether this horse is best at 2m or 2m4f. He won big races over each trip last year, needing every yard of the 2m at Cheltenham but lasting home over the longer distance at Ascot. Both of those wins came on goodish going, the type he will face today.
Since then he has been in the grip of the handicapper, having last won off 135 at Ascot. A series of defeats dropped him right back to 124 by the time he went to Kempton last month. However he looked to me short of pace over 2m now and sure enough he ran far better up in distance at Kempton. A first time tongue strap might have helped him that day too and his second place suggested he has found his mark now.
Recommended bets:
1pt each-way – The Kemble Brewery – 1.50 Sandown – 10/1 general (most bookies 1/5 odds 1st 5)
1pt win – Belliano – 1.50 Sandown – 7/2 general
1pt each-way – Spirits Bay – 2.25 Sandown – 7/1 general (most bookies 1/5 odds 1st 5)
0.5pts each-way – Sorceleur – 2.25 Sandown – 20/1 general (most bookies 1/5 odds 1st 5)
1pt each-way- Triple Trade – 4.45 Sandown – 5/1 Bet365, William Hill
