15:00 Sandown

Saturday 5 January 2019

All12:1512:4513:2013:5014:2515:0015:35

Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 6m 24.95s

Exitas⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr Tommie M O'Brien⁽⁵⁾| T: P W Middleton| OR: 144| C

20/1

In good form earlier in the season, but the handicapper exacted his revenge. Unseated rider last time and looks to have plenty to do off current mark.

Form: 22123U

Loose Chips^b²⁸

Age: 13| Weight: 11-6| J: Paul O'Brien⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 138| CD

14/1

Scored over C&D in November and respectable third of nine back at this venue off 3lb higher last time. Fair claims in a race he has run well in before, but looks to be on a stiff mark.

Form: 056-513

Buywise²²

Age: 12| Weight: 11-6| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 138| CD

25/1

Put some frustrating runs behind him when landing this valuable contest a year ago. Competes off the same mark and warmed up for another crack at it with a recent run over hurdles.

Form: 10U-640

Bishops Road^b,t³⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-5| J: J E Moore| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 137| C| D

20/1

Unseated his rider when last seen at Newcastle at the beginning of last month. His second at Haydock before that gives him claims, but he is 2lb higher.

Form: 7-U632U

Theatre Guide^b,t⁵⁵

Age: 12| Weight: 11-5| J: P J Brennan| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 137| D

14/1

Well behind Loose Chips over C&D in November, the latest of several disappointing efforts. More than capable off this lower mark if regaining his form and it will be interesting to see if the market speaks in his favour.

Form: 6PF7-00

Kings Lad^t⁵⁶

Age: 12| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 136| D

16/1

Stable companion of Theatre Guide who beat Exitas at Chepstow in October, but was pulled up at Wincanton last time. Bit to prove after a short break.

Form: 11215P

On Tour³⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: Mitchell Bastyan⁽⁵⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 135| D

12/1

From last year's winning yard and a solid back-up to the stable's Buywise if able to take advantage of a falling handicap rating. Latest run at Newbury not without promise.

Form: F62-656

Rock Gone⁵⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 135| BF

13/2

Returning from a year on the sidelines when 11L second to Loose Chips over C&D in November. Has been given time to get over that effort and can go well off the same mark.

Form: 6137/2-2

Houblon Des Obeaux^p¹⁴

Age: 12| Weight: 11-3| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 135| CD

7/1

More than useful chaser in his prime, but not so good these days. Got his second wind when running on at the finish at Haydock last time and is 3lb lower. Stable could not be in better form, so definitely one to consider.

Form: P3F9-66

Le Reve^p⁴⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: D A Jacob| T: L Wadham| OR: 135| CD

10/1

Three C&D wins on his CV and was returning from a long absence when behind Exitas at Warwick. Did not shape at all badly, though, and is certainly capable enough off this mark at a venue he loves.

Form: 0PU9P/3

Henllan Harri^b,t¹⁸⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 134| C| D

12/1

Victory and a second when last seen in the summer. Stiff enough mark and has an absence to overcome, so has a bit to prove.

Form: P6-U712

Pete The Feat^t²⁹

Age: 15| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 132| CD

20/1

A veteran among veterans who won this two years ago and was runner-up to Buywise last year. Nothing wrong with latest effort over C&D and would raise the roof if scoring again.

Form: 12P1-73

Tenor Nivernais^p¹⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 132| D

11/1

Stable companion of Houblon Des Obeaux who boasts a fairly similar profile. Led for a long way until weakening at Ludlow on latest outing, but is 3lb lower and should be cherry ripe now for in-form yard.

Form: 0/P6P-95

Cultram Abbey²⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 10-13| J: R D Day| T: N G Richards| OR: 131| D

12/1

Returning from a break when winning a good prize at Kelso last month. Up 5lb, but is in good heart and is one of many with fair claims.

Form: 2231-41

Band Of Blood^b²⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 10-12| J: T J O'Brien| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 130| BF| D

14/1

From the same stable as Rock Gone, but was behind Cultram Abbey last time and looks the yard's second string. That was his first run for quite a long time, though, so he is entitled to improve for it.

Form: 11060-4

Rathlin Rose^b⁵⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 130| CD

6/1

Three amateur riders' chase wins over C&D underline his ability to act at this venue. Warmed up for this when fourth to Loose Chips on his seasonal reappearance and races off 2lb lower mark for stable going well.

Form: 121FP-4

Halo Moon^p²¹⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-5| J: R T Dunne| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 123

25/1

Well held when last seen at Ffos Las in May. Races off 1lb lower, but it is a big ask for him to win such a strong race after his break.

Form: 1/7323-8

Forecasts

Rathlin Rose (6/1), Rock Gone (13/2), Houblon Des Obeaux (7/1), Le Reve (10/1), Tenor Nivernais (11/1), On Tour (12/1), Cultram Abbey (12/1), Henllan Harri (12/1), Theatre Guide (14/1), Loose Chips (14/1), Band Of Blood (14/1), Kings Lad (16/1), Exitas (20/1), Pete The Feat (20/1), Bishops Road (20/1), Halo Moon (25/1), Buywise (25/1)

A great advertisement for races of this type and most of the 17 runners can be given chances. The roof will come off the stands if Pete The Feat wins again at the age of 15, but preference is for another course specialist in RATHLIN ROSE, who looks to have been laid out for this, is nicely treated and will have no trouble with underfoot conditions. Houblon Des Obeaux and Tenor Nivernais are respected for a stable in cracking form, while a whole host of other dangers include last year's winner Buywise, his stable companion On Tour, Rock Gone, Le Reve and Cultram Abbey.