Racecards
12:45 Sandown Park
Gq Novices' Handicap Chase (Class D)
- 7 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f 110y
- Going: Good to Soft, Soft in places
- Form 121/2-33
- Age 7
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer Mrs A Perrett
- Jockey A Dobbin
held up and behind, ridden and in touch when fell 12th
Benson (IRE)
28- Form 4P5/6-15
- Age 7
- Weight 11-12
tracked leader, ridden 14th, one pace soon after
Couloir
16- Form 02166-5
- Age 6
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer H Morrison
- Jockey M A Fitzgerald
not jumped well in rear, well from 13th, pulled up before 3 out
- Form 65-6134
- Age 6
- Weight 11-4
held up, mistake 7th, headway going well 3 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, led last, driven out flat
- Form 05FF2-P
- Age 6
- Weight 11-3
- Trainer J Old
- Jockey L P Aspell
close up, driven from 14th, beaten approaching 3 out
- Form 3/0332-2
- Age 6
- Weight 10-9
- Trainer A W Carroll
- Jockey M Batchelor
held up, chased leaders from 14th, ridden and beaten from 2 out
Sir Norman
19- Form 6PP-551
- Age 7
- Weight 10-6
- Trainer R D E Woodhouse
- Jockey P Whelan
jumped well, led, challenged when blundered last, soon headed, one pace flat
In depth
Verdict
A conundrum is the word to describe the opening event, and punters will do well to get through unscathed. Sir Norman will be fancied after his success from 5lbs out of the handicap at Ayr last time. However, it was not a strong event and he is worth taking on. Captain Zinzan was fourth to Best Mate on his bumper debut and has since made his mark over hurdles from limited appearances. However, he was always going to be a chaser and will pay to follow in due course. at present though he looks too high in the weights and is another that can be taken on. The tubed Canon McCarthy will benefit from the drop back in trip but is still a maiden, while Benson in contrast shapes as though he already needs further. Richard Rowe has his team in fine form and with that in mind it may pay to take a chance with Lord 'n' Master. He has been running well over timber and indeed was successful at Exeter in October. Sure to have been well schooled by his trainer, who himself was an excellent horseman, Lord 'n' Master is the TEAMtalk selection at what should be a decent price.