Racecards
13:35 Sandown Park
European Breeders Fund Sunderlands 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final (Class A)
- 16 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f 110y
- Going: Soft, Good to Soft in places
- Form 5-11321
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer O Sherwood
- Jockey B J Geraghty
always prominent, disputed lead 4 out, ridden to chase winner 2 out, slight chance last, no extra
- Form 1-4122
- Age 6
- Weight 11-3
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
mid-division, ridden for headway 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
Sixo (IRE)
12- Form 113-143
- Age 7
- Weight 10-13
- Trainer M C Pipe
- Jockey T Scudamore
hampered 1st, ridden 6th, weakened 3 out
- Form 22-3321
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey J Tizzard
held up in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, one pace
- Form 10-332
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Miss H Knight
- Jockey J Culloty
held up rear, headway approaching 4 out, in touch when fell 3 out
- Form 0/22101
- Age 7
- Weight 10-11
- Trainer Miss V Williams
- Jockey A O'keeffe
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden to chase leaders 4 out, weakened 2 out
- Form 15-1341
- Age 6
- Weight 10-11
held up towards rear, headway on inside 4th, led after 3 out, clear approaching 2 out, ridden, veered badly left last, kept on gamely
- Form 33-1121
- Age 5
- Weight 10-11
- Trainer M & D Easterby
- Jockey Timmy Murphy
always towards rear, tailed off from 5th
- Form 323-12
- Age 7
- Weight 10-9
- Trainer Mrs S Williams
- Jockey C Llewellyn
held up towards rear, not fluent 6th, ridden 3 out, stayed on well, nearest finish
Copsale Lad
33- Form 5P-13
- Age 7
- Weight 10-8
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey R Johnson
in touch, ridden and weakening from 3 out
Manly Money
63- Form 12-5213
- Age 6
- Weight 10-6
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Christian Williams
towards rear, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
- Form 22-1122
- Age 6
- Weight 10-1
- Trainer Miss V Williams
- Jockey S Thomas
led, disputed lead 4 out, hit 3 out, soon headed and weakened
- Form 1200P0
- Age 5
- Weight 10-0
held up towards rear, mistake 2nd, weakened after 5th, tailed off
In depth
Verdict
An absolutely cracker of a race and there are any number that can be given chances. The betting market might provide some clues, so watch for all the relevant signs, but our three against the field are given as Mount Karinga, Control Man and Copsale Lad, with the vote going to Mount Karinga. A number of these runners have very progressive profiles, including Bramlynn Brook, whose form has a solid look to it, as has Copsale Lad's, and Richard Johnson is an interesting booking for that Nicky Henderson-trained runner. The closely weighted Holland Park and Control Man (who is visored for the first time today) are others among the lighter weights that have progressive profiles with solid form and they too can also go well, while Sweet Diversion and Accipiter are closely weighted on Taunton form in January, but Sixo looks vulnerable to those below him in the weights, although if Tony McCoy elects to ride him instead of Control Man, that should be noted. Lotier came good at Hereford last time but needs to progress again, while Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride Mount Karinga from the two Paul Nicholls entries. He too has a very progressive profile and is fully entitled to go well, while Moonlit Harbour has done very little wrong this season so is afforded all due respect. With the topweight Eric's Charm also having shown a lot of ability, you can see why this race is so tricky - as it should be for the money on offer. However, overall, on this occasion, we will side with Mount Karinga.