It’s the jumps season finale at Sandown on Saturday and the Tote are guaranteeing £250,000 in the Placepot for it.
GG Editor Dan Corbally guides us through his suggestions on how to scoop some of the big prize today.
Leg 1: 1.05pm
Leg 1 Selections: (7) Iberico Lord (5) Under Control
A strong hand for JP McManus here with three runners and two of them make the cut for the placepot. Iberico Lord looks to have more to come and was a very impressive winner last time out, when collaring the re-opposing Beau Balko. Under Control was another impressive winner on her last start, where she bounced back from a lacklustre show at Cheltenham.
Leg 2: 1.40pm
Leg 2 Selections: (5) Jonbon (2) Editeur Du Gite
The temptation was to leave Jonbon on his own as the selection but this is a first foray out of Novice company for him and this is a real test, but no doubt he has the ability to take a hand. Editeur Du Gite is the ‘saver’ selection, he showed just what he’s capable of this season and a bold jumping display from the front could see him go very close again.
Leg 3: 2.15pm
Leg 3 Selections: (6) Kitty’s Light (5) Certainly Red
Kitty’s Light has been a great horse to follow and on the back of his authoritative Scottish National success and, with plenty of form in this contest, has to be high on the list. Certainly Red appeals as another to include having enjoyed a super season over fences, he came unstuck last time but that can be forgiven as it was an insufficient trip over hurdles and should’ve left him spot on for this.
Leg 4: 2.50pm
Leg 4 Selections: (3) Hewick
Hewick is the clear top-rated here and, if it doesn’t come up soft, will be very hard to beat. He was running a super race in the Gold Cup before coming down and this field is understandably not as deep as that contest. Solo’s form took a nice boost recently and could have more to come but will need to improve to hold Hewick at bay.
Leg 5: 3.25pm
Leg 5 Selections: (8) Gloire D’Athon
We take a bit of a flier on Gloire D’Athon in the penultimate race, he’ll likely be a big price for this but has the services of Aidan Coleman in the plate and that partnership work well together. Landing a couple of wins already over fences this season including over course & distance. There’s no shortage of pace here so the hope is the selection doesn’t get involved in a burn up, but with a good judge like Coleman in the plate, the chances are they’ll avoid that.
Leg 6: 4.00pm
Leg 6 Selections: (5) Thyme Hill
Thyme Hill gets the standalone vote for this contest. He hasn’t fully convinced over fences and brings a high standard of form to the table on this return timber. The selection was disappointing at Cheltenham but going back to last season was runner-up in the Stayers’ Hurdle and should put in an improved display.
Suggested Placepot
Leg 1 Selections: (7) Iberico Lord (5) Under Control
Leg 2 Selections: (5) Jonbon (2) Editeur Du Gite
Leg 3 Selections: (6) Kitty’s Light (5) Certainly Red
Leg 4 Selections: (3) Hewick
Leg 5 Selections: (8) Gloire D’Athon
Leg 6 Selections: (5) Thyme Hill
8 Lines @ £0.50 a line = £4