‘This 14-1 shot can run well at Sandown’ – The Scout’s Saturday tips | Racing | Sport
JACK HYDE (2.27) is fancied to play a major part in the £100,000 Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown Park this afternoon.
Fergal O’Brien’s trainee looks laid out for a big run, as he was given a three-month break after showing plenty of promise in Cheltenham events for novices.
Thought good enough to contest the Grade Two Persian War at Chepstow in October, a race the stable took in 2017 and 2022, 14-1 shot Jack Hyde appears best when conditions are not too testing.
On heavy terrain, the often free-going Soldier Of Fortune offspring made a promising reappearance at Taunton last month – and it should have left him spot on for his task today.
And he has a valuable 5lb taken off his racing weight of 10st 13lb by the claim of Tom Broughton, a jockey enjoying his best ever season.
Kaka’s Cousin, Laguna Beach and Rathkenny are on a lengthy shortlist for the typically competitive European Breeders’ Fund Betfair ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final.
However a compelling case can be made for WOLF WALKER (1.50), as he split higher-rated rivals Captain Hugo (subsequent Morebattle Hurdle hero) and The Cistercian on his penultimate outing.
Successful three times between the flags, the unexposed hurdler should enjoy the step up to 2m 4f and a sound gallop with 18 runners declared.
Another likely to have been waiting for the weather to dry up is the Nicky Henderson-saddled CALIMYSTIC (3.35), who showed great resolve to stay in front on his Newbury chasing debut.
Stablemate Holloway Queen has struck since – so the Seven Barrows maestro has a guide to the form’s worth – and this half-brother to former Grade Two performer Angels Breath is far from the bottom of the barrel.
In the Listed flat race for mares, 16-length point-to-point winner KAMILLE AU KANADA (3.00) is interesting starting out for Anthony Honeyball, who landed the prize in 2020 with Coquelicot.
The first of the three contests from Wolverhampton on ITV3, the Make The Move To Midnite Handicap, can go to recent course and distance victor KULLAZAIN (2.05).
The 2024 Gimcrack titleholder COOL HOOF LUKE (3.15) sets the standard with a rating of 108 in the Listed BetMGM Lady Wulfruna Stakes.
BetMGM Lincoln Trial Handicap entrant FIRST PRINCIPLE (2.42) has several ‘black-type’ placed half-siblings and he looks like he could be a typical William Haggas improver in his third season.
