Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, picks four to follow from Saturday’s cards at Sandown Park and Wolverhampton
Eeadicate (3.00) will feel right at home on the drying ground at Sandown and looks sure to figure in Saturday’s Paddy Power Imperial Cup en route to Cheltenham.
My selection ran above expectations in the totesport Trophy at Newbury, snapping at the heels of the principals in sixth place on unsuitably testing ground. Eradicate appreciated the sounder terrain at Haydock last May when outpointing the very progressive Overturn in the totesport-sponsored Swinton Hurdle under regular claimer David Bass.
Nicky Henderson’s handicapper finished just behind The Betchworth Kid at Newbury but is fancied to reverse placings with Alan King’s unpredictable, but talented, sort. David Pipe is going for a hat-trick of victories in four years and I prefer Arrayan over stablemate Ronaldo Des Mottes.
Alesandro Mantegna (4.40) ran Songe to a head over course and distance (good) in November and there was plenty of money for Keith Goldsworthy’s gelding at Ffos Las on Monday before his early exit at the second flight.
At Wolverhampton, some smart handicappers go to post for the William Hill Lincoln Trial and Lowther (3.20) is fancied to confirm last month’s course and distance victory over Norman Orpen and Suits Me. The latter enjoyed the run of the race out in front when scoring subsequently at Lingfield but Suits Me will have company up front here in a race that should enfold nicely for a strong finisher like Lowther.
Porgy (4.55) isn’t the most straightforward conveyance but Jamie Spencer was caught well out of his ground when only third behind Phoenix Hill over two miles at Kempton in January. Over this shorter trip, and with a slight weight pull, Porgy is fancied to avenge that defeat. Top weight Sherman McCoy scored on his seasonal debut at Kempton last year and is worth a check in the betting market.
Tally Ho
Alan
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