Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Sandown and Wolverhampton on Saturday. View selections below.
MONDO MAN (2.27) can master a big field in the Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown.
The five-year-old, trained by Gary and Josh Moore, cantered home by 33 lengths in a Plumpton maiden 12 days ago on the back of an eye-catching fourth behind Wilful at Ascot before Christmas.
Mondo Man was a useful tool on the Flat, finishing fourth to Illinois in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester’s big May meeting, and appears well treated.
Less than a length separated Go Dante, Wreckless Eric and Alfadil when they occupied the first three places last year and the trio lock horns again.
Ben Pauling continues to fire in winners and FOLLOWCATO (4.10) can make it four victories on the bounce by bagging the 2m 4f Betfair Exchange Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old’s triumphs have all come on right-hand tracks, so he should feel right at home around here. He has risen 8lb on the back of his 24 lengths win at Hereford in January and this prominent racer should be up with the pace from the off.
COOL HOOF LUKE (3.15) can strike for the Andrew Balding-Oisin Murphy duo in the 7f BetMGM Lady Wulfruna Stakes at Wolverhampton.
This Listed contest has attracted eight runners and Murphy will be keen to break smartly from his outside stall to gain a prominent slot.
Cool Hoof Luke, fourth in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot as a juvenile, will strip sharper for his comeback third behind Completely Random and Diligent Harry over a shorter trip at Lingfield last month.
He had re-opposing Ferrous and Marshman hot on his heels that day and that pair may well prove to be his most dangerous rivals.
The Balding-Murphy axis field a fancied runner in The Lost King in the earlier BetMGM Lincoln Trial and the four-year-old ran a solid comeback second to Popmaster at Kempton 32 days ago. Stall 11 isn’t ideal, however, so CHRISTIAN DAVID (2.42) is the each-way recommendation at a big price.
Richard Hannon has his string in good order and Christian David goes well fresh, having won at Newbury last September following a 268-day absence. Stall four is potentially a good slot for this hold-up performer.
The Balding yard has another strong contender in last week’s Lingfield scorer Regal Ulixes but stall 12 tempers enthusiasm.
Top weight La Botte landed a Newcastle maiden by more than six lengths last March and was an unlucky runner-up behind Arabian Story in the 30-runner Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Last year’s third Kingdom Come races off a 4lb lower mark and clearly has prospects along with the William Haggas-trained First Principle, closely matched with Two Tempting on earlier Kempton form.
Betfred and bet365 are offering four places ew in a very open contest.
KNEBWORTH (2.05) makes plenty of appeal in the opening 6f Make The Move To Midnite Handicap.
Knebworth, fourth in this event 12 months ago, arrives on the back of a Chelmsford City victory in late January. Trainer Richard Hughes remains in top form and has secured the services of red-hot Billy Loughnane.
Kullazain had a length to spare over Accrual when they clashed over course and distance in late December and the winner is 2lb better off with that same rival.
Murphy has picked up an interesting ride aboard big-priced Cinque Verde and Tony Carroll’s consistent mare, a three-time course winner, goes well fresh.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
