Sandown stage a top quality evening card tomorrow and that seems the best place to start.
The high class hurdler Punjabi (pictured below) looked a seriously well handicapped horse when winning at Newmarket last week and he should be able to follow up, under a 6 lbs penalty in the 6.10.
The last two winners of the race are both in the field for the 7.15. Tungsten Strike is unlikely to be suited by the ground which I presume will be on the soft side. Allegretto is a serious contender but has needed her first run in previous season so I will give the nod to Royal and Regal who was only beaten a head in the Yorkshire Cup and is proven on soft ground. One that could run well at a bigger price is Peppertree Lane who will act on the ground.
Lucano makes his seasonal reappearance in the 7.45 but might find this trip too short for him. Maraahel was only just pipped at Chester and this is his ideal trip. It would be no surprise to see him go close. I am going to select Pipedreamer who comes here on the back of a fine run in third behind Phoenix Tower who has since gone on to finish 2nd in Group 1 company. This is the sort of race where we could get a surprise if the ground rides very testing though.
The 4.20 at Ayr is effectively a match between Alleviate and Plane Painter but tricky to call all the same. Alleviate has gone up to a career high mark but I would still give him the edge.
At Great Leighs Unleashed looks to have a good chance for Henry Cecil in the 2.30. He made a pleasing impression on his sole start last season at Leicester.
In the 4.30 Sky Dive looks the one to be on although Sheer Bluff might be worth an each way saver. He is a free going sort and this drop in trip may suit him.
Crocodile Bay won for us last week under an enterprising Adrian Nicholls ride. He runs under a penalty in the Newcastle 7.05 and could again go well from a good draw.
Barney McGrew and Northern Dare represent our list to follow in the 8.40 and both have an each way chance. Another that could go well if the ground rides quick is Gunfighter. Of the 3 mentioned Gunfighter and Barney McGrew have the best of the draw.
Photo Courtesy of Tracy Roberts TurfPix
See you tomorrow
ahorse 