13:25 Sandown

Saturday 1 February 2025

All12:5013:2514:0014:3515:0715:4216:12

Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 5m 29.98s

De Kingpin⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 117

15/2

Point recruit who looked suited by the increased emphasis on stamina when making it third time lucky over hurdles in 20.5f Newbury novice (soft) in December. Has the potential for better again now moving into handicaps.

Form: 6/22-352

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

In Limbo³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Ben Ffrench-Davis⁽⁵⁾| T: C J Down| OR: 115

9/1

Placed all 3 starts in points and, following a lengthy absence, there's been definite encouragement to glean from each of his 2 starts in novice hurdles this winter, latterly when third at Newbury (2mf) 32 days ago. Longer trip promises to suit on handicap debut.

Form: 332/43

Sole Solution¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 114

3/1

Dual bumper winner in 2022/23 who has progressed with each start over hurdles since returning from a long absence, winning a Hereford novice 17 days ago. Appeals as one who can improve again in handicaps.

Form: 11/621

Just Lucky Sivola⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 112| D

5/1

Bumper winner who has made solid start to hurdling career, showing a good attitude to open his account in 2½m novice at Hereford in November. Didn't seem to stay when stepped up to 3m for his Ascot handicap debut subsequently and can resume his progression back over shorter.

Form: 16-213

Grand Geste^p1³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: G Sheehan| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 111

8/1

Improved when placed in maiden/novice hurdles at up to 3m on his last 3 outings. The drop back in trip on handicap debut is a bit of a concern for one who looks a thorough stayer but conditions should at least place the emphasis on stamina. Cheekpieces go on for first time.

Form: 0-P0233

Kalif D'airy^t¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 103| BF

11/2

Runner-up in handicaps at Fontwell (19f) and Fakenham (2m) in recent months. Nudged up another 4 lb but it's unlikely to prevent another prominent showing.

Form: 33-7722

Leech⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 99

20/1

Failed to get competitive in maiden/novice hurdles towards the end of 2024 but this fairly useful bumper winner rates a potential improver now handicapping up in trip. One to note in the betting.

Form: 310-657

Old Time Chaser⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 99

5/1

Lightly-raced sort from a leading yard but hasn't bettered modest form in his 4 hurdle starts, beaten 17 lengths when fourth on Windsor handicap debut 7 weeks ago.

Form: 3/4-644

Non-Runners

Springs A Girl⁴⁵

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: M Keighley J: Daire James McConville

Forecasts

Sole Solution (3/1), Just Lucky Sivola (5/1), Old Time Chaser (5/1), Kalif D'airy (11/2), De Kingpin (15/2), Grand Geste (8/1), Springs A Girl (8/1), In Limbo (9/1), Leech (20/1)

JUST LUCKY SIVOLA failed to stay 3m on his Ascot handicap debut just before Christmas and can show his mark is manageable back over shorter. Recent Hereford novice winner Sole Solution should have more to offer in handicaps and is second choice ahead of Kalif d'Airy.