Today, we welcome the return of what I consider to be National Hunt horse currently in-training, Altior. Thrice a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, he was outstanding in last season’s Champion Chase. On that occasion, he showed immense class from the back of the last where he, in a matter of strides, spread-eagled a high-class field. Nicky Henderson’s stable star may not have that instant burst of acceleration that you would expect for a horse of his ilk, but when he hits top gear, he is quite simply devastating. I, for one, am extremely excited to see him return in what may prove his toughest chasing assignment to date. In this afternoon’s Tingle Creek, the Seven Barrows runner faces two high-class novices from last season and legendary Irish runner, Un De Sceaux. The second-season novices, Saint Calvados and Sceau Royal, both boast the benefit of a run in which both ran out impressive winners while multiple Grade One winning, Un De Sceaux, is never one to go down without a fight. Like last week’s Fighting Fifth, this is a proper Grade One as is tomorrow’s John Durkan at Punchestown. Finally, I think it’s fair to say that the National Hunt season is back in full swing.
This weekend our selection comes in Sandown’s finale, Betfair London National Handicap Chase. Eight go to post for the £50,000 prize and while each of them ought to be respected, I reckon that Lucy Wadham’s Shanroe Santos will prevail. The four-time chase victor created a likeable impression at Fontwell last month. There, he seemed to relish every yard of the extended three-mile three-furlong trip where he finished five lengths clear of Morney Wing passing the line. Today will be his first attempt over three miles and five furlongs, but based on his Fontwell success, the step up in distance should only eke out further improvement. Unlike some of his rivals, he is also a brilliant jumper and over Sandown’s stiff fences that is a massive plus. Surprisingly, he was only raised 5lbs for that win and at 6/1, with just eight runners in the mix, he is an appealing each-way proposition. One can also derive positives from the form of the Lucy Wadham stable whose small-string has been in cracking form in recent weeks. Shanroe Santos’ main danger may prove to be joint market leader, Royal Vocation, on the back of his second-place seasonal reappearance behind Rock the Kasbah at the Cheltenham’s open meeting. However, Colin Tizzard’s charge isn’t the most reliable of sorts and at 3/1, he offers limited appeal.
Sandown 3.35 PM
1 Point Each Way SHANROE SANTOS (6/1 (Ladbrokes, Coral & Betbright)
Compare Odds at https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing
Free Big Saturday Race Service Results
Full Results Of the Free Saturday Big Race Selections Since went live in January 2014 can be found by clicking Here
UPGRADE TO FULL MEMBERSHIP TODAY
JOIN THE FULL BET ALCHEMIST TIPPING SERVICE AND
CONSISTENTLY MAKE PROFITS OVER TIME USING VALUE BETTING PRINCIPLES.
A FULL 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF AVAILABLE SHOULD YOU NOT ENJOY THE FULL SERVICE.
Latest Winner BALLYHILL @8/1
CLICK HERE TO UPGRADElorem ipsum dolor
Enjoy You Saturday and Best of Luck,
Nicky
P.S> You Can View Our Full Service Latest Winners List at http://www.betalchemist.com/latest-winners/