Sandown Saturday Preview: Bay watch

By Nic Doggett — published 6th March 2018

Nic Doggett previews Saturday's Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final (Grade 3) at Sandown and picks out his best bets - both at double-figure prices.

The Imperial Cup – which will be previewed by Simon Rowlands on Thursday – takes centre stage at Sandown on Saturday, a card which whets the appetite for the following week’s Cheltenham Festival in a rather understated manner.

Past winners

The lengthy title for the European Breeders’ Fund Matchbook VIP ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final (Grade 3) doesn’t reflect the relatively embryonic careers of those taking part, most in the early stages of life which may only see them peak when faced with a fence further down the line. Many Clouds was second in this race in 2013, while recent winners include As de Mee (2015) and Barney Dwan (2016).

Many Clouds was second in this race in 2013

Market leaders

Al Shahir and Indian Hawk currently head the betting for Saturday’s renewal, the former an impressive maiden hurdle winner at Towcester last time who has been allotted a BHA mark of 127 for this handicap debut, while the latter is very unexposed after three hurdles starts, two of which have resulted in similarly comfortable wins. Indian Hawk carried his head a little high last time but remains with potential, the latter a comment that also applies to Turtle Wars who has looked to possess plenty of stamina in his three starts to date despite being out of a 5f-6f winner.

My way or The Dubai Way?

The Dubai Way has won all four of his starts under Rules, proving himself to be fairly useful already by following up a Sedgefield win at Warwick last time. There’s plenty of stamina on his dam’s side (and his sire Dubai Destination has Albert Bartlett hope Next Destination and leading four-miler fancy Elegant Escape amongst his flock), so this former point winner could find more improvement by this step up in trip. The similarly-priced Just A Sting has a worse strike-rate, but is another who remains with potential, a bigger field and stronger pace likely to show him to better advantage now entering handicaps.

Bay of plenty

The Dubai Way looks the pick of that quartet at 12/1, however there are several of interest at bigger prices, notably Oxwich Bay. This half-brother to Pobbles Bay was below form when nine lengths second to the promising Scorpion Sid at Ffos Las over two miles last time, but not unduly punished and this strong traveller looks the type to bounce back in this more suitable scenario. He acts on testing ground, is a proven winner over the trip and looks overpriced at 16/1, despite some lingering concerns over his jumping technique.

Quick pick?

Quick Pick’s low-key wins at Sedgefield means he is perhaps further down the ante-post list (20/1) than might be expected, while Whiskey In The Jar has been progressing well at a lower level but flopped on his sole attempt going this way round at Ascot earlier in the season; he also has a choice of entries at Kelso this weekend. Of more interest is Southwell winner Mahlervous who stumbled and unseated soon after the fourth in a handicap won by Unison at Taunton last time, but remains with potential.

Boy wonder

Though fancied to make up into a fine staying chaser in time, the drop in trip could suit Melrose Boy at this stage of his career. He took another step forward when third to Topofthegame (video below) in open company here last time and commands plenty of respect, though he has been well found in the market, a comment that also applies to recent Musselburgh winner Coup de Pinceau who sported first-time cheekpieces when successful last month and who has much more on his plate here.

Topofthegame continues what is turning into a good afternoon for Paul Nicholls in the Betfred Heroes Handicap Hurdle at Sandown
Results ▶️ https://t.co/7iJOPsvjqx pic.twitter.com/DTtsKmT9Bd
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) February 3, 2018

What are the best bets in Saturday’s race?

Chris Gordon continues to have a fine season, and his Imperial Cup entry Highway One O One would command plenty of respect if lining up here, having progressed with each start this term. He's one to look forward to if/when he goes over fences, however that comment also applies to both Oxwich Bay and The Dubai Way who look the two to back against the field here before making an impact over the bigger obstacles next season.