16:45 Sandown

Friday 12 March 2021

All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:45

'From The Horse's Mouth' Podcast Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:52 | Winning time: 5m 26.5s

Apple Rock²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: K Brogan⁽⁵⁾| T: B Pauling| OR: 122| D

4/1

Improving 7-y-o who added third handicap success to his tally at Carlisle (19.3f) last month, clearing away from a low-mileage sort. Rider's claim off-sets weight rise and he's of interest again.

Form: 3-14611

Sopran Thor²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 120

11/2

Yet to win but has progressed with each of his four runs over hurdles, posting excellent second on C&D handicap bow last time. Has more to offer and well in the mix for good yard.

Form: 63-6542

Fil D'ariane^t²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Benjamin Poste| T: T Symonds| OR: 119

14/1

Improved to make a winning handicap debut/reappearance at Leicester in November. Below form next time but not disgraced when sixth of 18 at Warwick (2m) last month. Back up in trip now.

Form: 243-146

Golden Emblem^t⁹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 109

4/1

Much improved for the switch to handicaps/fitting of a tongue tie, decisively defying career-high mark at Wincanton (21.3f) 9 days ago. Has to merit serious respect again under a penalty.

Form: 056121

Top Drawer¹¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Chris Ward⁽⁵⁾| T: Tracey Leeson| OR: 115

80/1

Maiden Irish pointer who has displayed fair form on 2 of his 4 starts in maiden/novice hurdles, run out of things from the last when third at Uttoxeter (20f) in November. Handicap debut.

Form: 43-P523

Honorary Colonel²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 114

16/1

Offered little in a Ffos Las bumper but some promise to glean from 2 of his 3 starts over hurdles, promising more for another day on qualifying run at Warwick recently. Not ruled out now handicapping.

Form: 9364

Sexy Lot^p1¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Fergus Gillard⁽⁵⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 114| BF

4/1

Form: 411222

Tel'art²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 113| D

20/1

Improved to bag two handicaps at up to 2¾m last summer but his recent form is much less encouraging, labouring home turn when well held seventh in 10-runner C&D event last month.

Form: P65987

Lady Kk⁶¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J Scott| OR: 107

18/1

Shirocco mare who showed fair form in mares' novice/maiden hurdles and possibly failed for stamina over 23f at Exeter in January, weakening from 2 out. This more suitable and it remains early days.

Form: 2P-6225

Doitforthevillage^t²²

Age: 12| Weight: 10-11| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Henderson| OR: 105| CD

6/1

Cracking servant to connections who resumed winning ways over fences here (20f) in January. Respectable second back here since and good showing not ruled out operating from much lower hurdles mark.

Form: 4P5142

Non-Runners

Fulgurix⁹⁸

Weight: 11-10| Age: 6

T: C L Tizzard J: Non Runner

Itsnotwhatyouthink²²

Weight: 11-1| Age: 6

T: N J Gifford J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Sexy Lot (4/1), Golden Emblem (4/1), Apple Rock (4/1), Sopran Thor (11/2), Doitforthevillage (6/1), Fil D'ariane (14/1), Fulgurix (14/1), Honorary Colonel (16/1), Lady Kk (18/1), Tel'art (20/1), Itsnotwhatyouthink (25/1), Top Drawer (80/1)

GOLDEN EMBLEM has thrived in handicaps since the turn of the year, defying a career-high mark with a good deal to spare at Wincanton 9 days ago. That may not be her limit and she can make another bold bid. Similar comments apply to Apple Rock who is feared, along with Sexy Lot, whilst veteran Doitforthevillage can also go well operating from his lower hurdles mark.