Horses running from our main list to follow
Exeter 1.35 – Lead On
Sandown 1.55 – Lightning Strike, Kealshore Boy & Nakai
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Exeter 2.45 – Planet of Sound
Russellform Ramblings
Lead On was let down by his jumping on his chase debut at Newbury but if he can improve in that department he should be good enough in the 1.35 at Exeter.
The Sandown 1.55 looks a hot novice hurdle. Kealshore Boy cost Graham Wylie 290,000 guineas after showing some very smart bumper form last season. He probably would have won on his hurdling debut at Carlisle if he hadn’t taken a heavy fall at the last. Point to point winner Nakai was an easy winner on his hurdles bow at Chepstow and is highly regarded. With both trainers in excellent form these two should give a good account but my selection is Lightning Strike who beat subsequent winner Tazbar at Haydock last month. Tony McCoy rides which is another plus.
Planet of Sound beat The Package at Chepstow and that horse has since franked the form.
There are some notable debutants in the bumper at Exeter (3.50). Billie Magern is a full brother to Ollie Magern while Cricket Boy’s dam, Lady Cricket won some notable races including the Thomas Pink Gold Cup and the Game Spirit Chase.
The big race at Sandown on Saturday is of course the Tingle Creek. This features Voy Por Ustedes, Monet’s Garden and Twist Magic. Monet’s Garden has won 13 of his 20 career starts and has never fallen. Voy Por Ustedes has not been out of the first 2 in any of his last 10 completed starts, while Twist Magic, from the all conquering Nicholls yard is on a hat trick.
Monet’s Garden is possibly best at two and a half miles and Twist Magic is not a certain starter and has a bit to find anyway. Voy Por Ustedes looks the one to beat.
Nap of the day
Sandown 1.55 – Lightning Strike
Today’s trivia
The first running of the Derby was in 10780 and it was won by Diomed.
What’s in a name?
Paul Nicholls trains Massasoit, a promising novice hurdle by Supreme Leader. The name means “great leader.”
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