Racecards
15:30 Sandown Park
Heathorns Handicap Chase (Class B)
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good, Firm in places
- Form 5P3410
- Age 11
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer Ian Williams
- Jockey D R Dennis
soon pushed along and never going well, struggling from 4th, took poor third flat
Running Man (FR)
167- Form 11/1F15
- Age 9
- Weight 11-7
- Trainer P R Webber
- Jockey M A Fitzgerald
led to 3rd, chased winner until pecked 8th, lost touch after 4 out, lost poor third flat
Ei Ei
16- Form 511306
- Age 8
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer M Chapman
- Jockey N Williamson
led 3rd, challenged and mistake last 3, ran on gamely flat
Ivanoph (FR)
56- Form P-21402
- Age 7
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
held up last, jumped slowly 3rd, chased winner from 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression flat
In depth
Verdict
This is likely to be fast and furious with both Ei Ei and Lord York taking each other on. However, that could play into the hands of the hold up horses Ivanoph and Running Man, with the latter getting the nod. Ei Ei is a bold jumper, who appears to act on all types of ground, while Lord York loves to hear his feet rattle, something he may not get with all of the rain around. Ivanoph isn't sure to last home on this stiff track, with the likely strong pace, so a chance in taken with the unexposed Running Man, who comes into this a fresh horse and will have an added bonus in the shape of Mick Fitzgerald.