13:45 Sandown

Saturday 4 February 2023

All12:3513:1013:4514:2014:5515:3016:03

Virgin Bet Dolos Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 3m 58.4s

Dolos^t³⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 146| C

7/2

In reasonable form this term, shaping a bit better than the result in Desert Orchid at Kempton last time. Has an excellent track record and worth chancing to follow up his win in last year's renewal.

Form: 817-223

Eclair D'Ainay^t³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 144| D

22/1

Gained a third career success under a positive ride at Wetherby in December 2021 and gave it a good go from the front on his first start for 10 months (had undergone breathing operation) in that corresponding event last month. Others make more appeal today.

Form: 4P122-3

Third Time Lucki^t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Kielan Woods| T: D Skelton| OR: 143

5/1

Scored three times last year but hasn't really been firing this season. Did travel with a bit more purpost at Warwick last time, and he's becoming well treated.

Form: 123-463

Kiltealy Briggs^p,t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Adrian Heskin| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 140

18/1

Back on track with 21.5f Market Rasen handicap success on his reappearance in October. Not at best at Wincanton last time and others make more appeal in this competitive event.

Form: 1PP-145

Frero Banbou²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 138| BF| C

11/2

Largely acquitted himself well last term and good start to present campaign when second in a valuable handicap at Ascot (16.78). However he's failed to reach that level on both subsequent starts so percentage call is to look elsewhere.

Form: 239-243

Red Rookie³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 138| C

7/2

Off the mark over fences in a 2m Hereford last season and was set to run very creditably when falling at the last in Arkle at Cheltenham on final start last season. Shaped as if needing the run on return at Chepstow and this drop back to 2m should aid his cause.

Form: 4/2U1F-5

The Widdow Maker^t⁴⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Adam Wedge| T: J Tizzard| OR: 134| DWS

9/1

Useful hurdler who landed an Exeter novice (19.2f) on chase debut in February and similar form in defeat thereafter, 15 lengths third in Grade 1 at Aintree final outing. Back to form at Ludlow last time and has undergone another breathing operation since.

Form: 123-423

Fast Buck^t⁴⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-9| J: J E Moore| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 127

11/2

Below par last season for Dan Skelton and having dropped a long way in the weights, returned to form from out of the blue to get off the mark over fences in style over at Lingfield in December. 8 lb rise for that success and needs to back it up today.

Form: 33-5491

Forecasts

Red Rookie (7/2), Dolos (7/2), Third Time Lucki (5/1), Fast Buck (11/2), Frero Banbou (11/2), The Widdow Maker (9/1), Kiltealy Briggs (18/1), Eclair D'Ainay (22/1)

DOLOS performed respectably in Graded company last term and the return to this track is firmly in his favour, so he's marginally preferred to Fast Buck, who won easily at Lingfield last time. Red Rookie should be suited by the drop back in trip, so he's also feared.