Racecards
15:35 Sandown Park
Combi Uk Premier Claiming Stakes (Class D) (Class D)
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 1m 2f 7y
- Going: Good to Soft (Soft in places)(Straight - Soft)
- Form 311000
- Age 3
- Weight 9-0
- Trainer N P Littmoden
- Jockey E Ahern
reluctant leader for 2f, tracked leader until taken very wide bend from halfway, no chance after
- Form 005020
- Age 3
- Weight 8-7
settled 3rd, went 2nd from halfway, closed over 2f out, led well over 1f out, ridden clear final furlong
- Form 0-06431
- Age 3
- Weight 8-4
- Trainer Mrs Stef Liddiard
- Jockey S J Drowne
settled last, effort over 2f out, soon no chance
- Form 402556
- Age 3
- Weight 7-13
- Trainer J O'Shea
- Jockey Natalia Gemelova
slowly into stride, pulled hard and led after 2f, ridden 4 lengths clear 3f out, headed well over 1f out, soon no chance with winner but kept on under pressure for clear 2nd
In depth
Verdict
Magic Amigo can take this and defy the official ratings, which mark out Top Spec as the likely scorer at the weights. Magic Amigo has a bit to find with Richard Hannon's runner on those official figures, but he could make this a real test on the ground if the same front running tactics are employed as they were last time at Folkestone. This 10 furlongs suits well and the major plus here is that Magic Amigo loves cut in the ground, so with that to boost our confidence, we will take him to prevail. Top Spec is still capable of running well and has shown some decent form over this trip in the past. However, he is slipping down the ratings and that is not a good sign. Add to that the fact that he has never won with any cut underfoot and there must be major doubts about him here. Trip and ground will suit Another Choice, who has been in the grip of the handicapper just lately, but with a 5lb drop now he definitely comes into calculations and he can give the selection most to do, but our vote remains with Magic Amigo.