SANDOWN PARK
Race 1 No5 STEP BACK
Trainer: Mark Bradstock – Jockey: Miss Lily Bradstock
From a stable that introduced an exciting novice hurdler this week, STEP BACK can roll back the years and successfully concede weight to his foes. The 2018 Bet365 Gold Cup winner loves this track and although drawing a black from just four starts last season still has the powers to dominate.
Race 2 No1 NON STOP
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Harry Cobden
This is not normally a yard you associate juvenile hurdlers with, but NON STOP looks like he could prove an exception to the rule. He knuckled down to secure victory on his debut over jumps at Warwick after scoring on the all-weather at Lingfield and has a good chance to defy a penalty.
Race 4 No5 MAXIMILIAN (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
While any one of the six acceptors can win this featured Grade 2 hurdle, MAXIMILIAN’s claims are hard to surpass, granted the way he sauntered home under a penalty at Bangor to make it a point win, two bumper successes and two hurdles triumphs in as many starts. As his point doesn’t really count, he can claim a nap hand of wins by staving off the challenges of Man At Work and Henri The Second.
Race 6 No5 GALAHAD THREEPWOOD (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Kielan Woods
On Flat form Raymond Tusk stands out in this novices’ handicap hurdle but having failed to reach the heights expected of him in a first season over jumps he’s worth taking on with GALAHAD THREEPWOOD. The latter also didn’t look a natural for the winter game last season but fared better in successive visits to Cheltenham in the autumn, especially when just out of the money in his first handicap at the ‘Paddy Power’ fixture. The hooded gelding is now sufficiently battle-hardened to put his best foot forward.
