Britain’s jumps campaign ends in style on Saturday as attention turns to Sandown for its season-ending seven-race card.
There are four competitive handicaps, the Grade 1 Celebration Chase and a pair of Grade 2s that punters can find themselves in at the Esher track.
Our expert, Clive Gildon, presents his three best bets during the meeting.
Saturday tips
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4.10 Sandown – Ballyadam
The Grade 2 Select Hurdle looks ripe for a gamble as the market is dominated by Impaire Et Passe and Langer Dan, both of whom face penalties and were involved in a tough race at Aintree only 16 days ago while under ‘a head separated them. at the highest level.
Ballydam has been off the track for 45 days after only giving Langer Dan his best in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, meaning he should be much fresher than the two market leaders. It was a superb effort as Ballyadam carried the higher weight in this race and he will be running here at 10lb in better conditions with Langer Dan, so it is difficult to understand the disparity in prices.
His last race was the best of his life judged by Racing Post Ratings and he can close a lightweight campaign with the victory he richly deserves under Rachael Blackmore.
4.45 Sandown – Terresita
Nickle Back is a worthy favorite in the 2m4f Novice Handicap race, given he is a Grade 1 winning Novice Chaser over course and distance who is arguably well looked after on 149.
However, it’s hard to imagine her taking such an easy lead this time and the mare Terresita makes it more attractive with a featherweight.
She was coveted for a similar race here two starts ago, but found herself with too much to do after not jumping well enough, staying well into third once it was too late.
This was, however, a much more refined performance from her next time with different tactics, and if her jumps hold up, she is capable of continuing her recent improvement under Gavin Sheehan.
5.20 Sandown – Allowed speed
The jumps season ends with a handicap of 2m4f and His Majesty is named as Willie Mullins’ early favourite, much like he was in the Coral Cup on his last visit.
He could hardly be trusted at a relatively low price given what happened at Cheltenham and the scale of the opposition, and Allowed speed It’s worth playing for Gary Moore, who has many winners at Sandown.
It has undoubtedly been a frustrating campaign for Authorized Speed, who was last seen falling in the Arkle (he also crashed on his pursuit debut while going well at Ascot) .
He just hasn’t taken to fences, but he looks pretty well treated after 134 returns over hurdles on a course he has won twice on in three previous races.
His only defeat at Sandown came when he erred after finishing well beaten at close range in the Grade 1 Tolworth. There’s clearly a decent engine in there and it’s lovely and fresh for the time of year.
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