1.50 Sandown – Lyndon B (Each Way)
Lyndon B was a huge eye-catcher when he finished second at Newbury last time out. The eight-year-old gelding isn’t the easiest to win with, but he is 2lb lower than his last winning mark, plus he’s a course winner at Sandown. I think if he can build on his recent performance, then he should go close again.
2.25 Sandown – Doha (Each Way)
I quite like the chances of Doha here for Ralph Beckett. She was last seen running in Group 1 company, where she finished fifth in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
3.00 Sandown – Involvement (Win)
Involvement has been progressing well in handicaps this season for Simon and Ed Crisford. The son of Lope De Vega was last seen finishing fifth in a Listed race at Deauville earlier this month, where he was probably just a touch outclassed. With William Buick booked for the ride, he surely has to go well.
3.35 Sandown – Royal Playwright (Win)
I thought this had the potential to be the race of the weekend, with several exciting juveniles on the show. The one that draw my attention, was Royal Playwright for Andrew Balding. He was a very good winner at Salisbury on his racecourse debut and looked to be learning on the job in the hands of Hayley Turner. Andrew Balding’s juveniles tend to improve with experience, so this colt could have more to offer. Furthermore, he’s from a family connections know well, and he is a half-brother to See The Fire, who’s a Group performer on the Flat.
1.30 Beverley – Walter Hartright (Win)
I didn’t have a strong opinion in this race, but Walter Hartright made the most appeal. He’s been progressing very well on the Flat this season and at one point racked up a four-timer. The last time we saw him, he was just touched off on slow ground to finish second in the Racing League at Chepstow behind Lieber Power, who went on to place at the Ebor Festival at York. The son of Saxon Warrior will be getting a handy weight-for-age allowance from all his rivals here, and that could make all the difference.
2.05 Beverley – Comanche Falls (Win)
Comanche Falls looks to be the wrong price out of all of these runners. The seven-year-old gelding arguably had the best piece of form in this race when he finished second behind Believing in the Listed Achilles Stakes at Haydock back in June. Most of his best runs have come over 6f, but he can cope with 5f, and it looks like there will be a lot of pace for him to aim at. With Michael Dods’ team in excellent form, he’s the one who gets my vote.
2.40 Chester – Yanifer (Each Way)
This is probably the trickiest race of the weekend on ITV, but Yanifer looks like he can go well. He showed towards the backend of last season; he could maintain his good form, so I wouldn’t be worried about him running again so soon. With a good draw in Stall 6 to take him into the race, I can see him being the frame.
3.15 Chester – Samui (Win)
This is a trappy Listed race, but Samui might have some unfinished business left on the flat for Gordon Elliot. That race was over 2m, and he drops back to 1m6f, which could suit. It’s interesting to see connections applying first-time cheekpieces, suggesting they might ride him forward. If they do, then he could be the one they’ve all got to beat.
Bet Of The Day: 2.25 Doha EW
