Paul Nicholls is going to be difficult to catch at the head of the trainers’ championship and can boost his chances of another title success courtesy of a big Saturday race victory via Unioniste (Sandown 3.35) in the 32Red Casino Handicap Chase today.
A number of the handler’s runners have been improving for a run this campaign and the selection looked in need of the outing when a creditable sixth in the Hennessy Gold Cup last time.
The handicapper has dropped Unioniste 3lb in the ratings for that display and that could prove generous in this lesser company for a classy customer who won a Listed event in easy style from the smart Wishfull Thinking last season.
Rain is forecast at Sandown and that will bring the selection’s stamina into play but, if it gets very heavy, Relax would be a big danger, especially given that no trainer has a better record with her horses under testing conditions than Venetia Williams.
Sandown 1.50 A chance is taken on William’s Wishes, who won this event in 2013 and should now strip fitter following two runs after a long absence. He had plenty in hand two years ago and figures off a mark only 5lb higher in the ratings now.
Wincanton 2.05 A number of unknown quantities figure in the line-up here with a couple making their chasing debuts for prominent yards and Viva Steve, who can normally be relied on to give his running, is a tentative suggestion.
Sandown 2.25 It is a very poor show that only four, and one of those a complete no-hoper, have shown up for this Grade One event. L’Ami Serge has already proved himself one of the best novice hurdlers around with victories at Newbury and Ascot and is the obvious selection.
Wincanton 2.40 A tricky looking affair with a number of unexposed runners set to make their handicap debuts. Nicholls runs the improving Earthmoves but his stable jockey has plumped for Provo and the selection looks on a very fair handicap mark on the evidence of his run here last season when falling two out when in with every chance.
Sandown 3.00 In what looks a competitive contest on paper the suggestion is Amore Alato, who hails from the bang in-form Nick Williams stable and was a creditable second to Snake Eyes over this track and trip last month.
Wincanton 3.15 Nicholls again looks to hold the key here with a couple of interesting entries in the field, with Black River looking the pick. The gelding, who was sent back over hurdles after a heavy fall on his British chasing debut last season, is quickly making up for lost time this term and may defy a 6lb hike in the weights for his recent Taunton success.
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