Saturday’s Imperial Cup at Sandown can become the most notable prize won by Jane Williams, since she started training in her own name last summer. The Devon trainer, whose horses formerly ran in the name of her husband, Nick, fields Monsieur Lecoq (2.25), who looks an important talent on the basis of his course-and-distance success early in January.
The five-year-old French-bred was having just his fourth run in this country and has shown handy improvement each time. It is hard to believe the handicapper has a hold of him yet, even after a 12lb hike. Chester Williams, who takes over in the saddle, still lacks experience but is becoming value for his 7lb claim in hurdle races.
Monsieur Lecoq has raced keenly so far and could do with a strong pace to help him settle. With Totterdown and Speredek in the field, there is every chance of that, and the recent rain is also a help. This race could work out nicely for him. That said, Totterdown remains on a dangerous mark if he is left alone in front, as when he won at this track in November. At 33-1, he is an each-way price.
1.50 Sandown He has been learning the game so far but Before Midnight has more to offer now that he tackles handicap company. This bigger field and the likely stronger pace should allow him to finish more strongly than has been the case in his novice outings. One For Rosie is talented but it’s hard to see that he’s got in lightly on this handicap debut.
2.05 Wolverhampton He couldn’t cope with the John Gosden runners in the Lingfield Winter Derby but Pactolus should be a force back in handicap company. He’s won his last four handicaps, including at this track on Boxing Day, and his claiming rider has been enjoying reasonable success in Ireland in recent months.
3.00 Sandown Having impressed in a couple of spins under a claiming amateur, the well-related Whitehotchillifili has Noel Fehily to do the steering here and can improve past Silver Forever.
3.15 Wolverhampton On his first run for Stuart Williams, Keystroke matched his career best in scoring at Kempton, with a tongue-tie fitted. This requires a step forward but he’s up to it. Oh This Is Us is on a higher mark than he has ever had in his 41 races, a consequence of beating a small field at Lingfield a fortnight ago. He has yet to win at this track.
3.35 Sandown Having stopped quickly in the Southern National in November, Potters Approach had a wind op three days later. He still looks nicely treated on his previous Chepstow win and it may be worth taking a chance that all is now well.
Sandown
1.20 The Knot Is Tied 1.50 Before Midnight 2.25 Monsieur Lecoq (nap)
3.00 Whitehotchillifili 3.35 Potters Approach (nb) 4.10 Delire D’Estruval 4.45 The Kings Writ
Wolverhampton
1.30 Captain Lars 2.05 Pactolus 2.40 Harbour Breeze 3.15 Keystroke 3.50 Dahawi 4.25 Shamshon 5.00 Winged Spurr
Hereford
1.40 Top Decision 2.15 Newtown Boy 2.50 Doc Carver 3.25 Chase End Charlie 4.00 Oscar World 4.35 Dicosimo 5.10 Redzor
Ayr
2.10 Carry On Arcadio 2.45 Steak And Spuds 3.20 Forest Des Aigles
3.55 Derriana Spirit 4.30 Eternally Yours 5.05 Capard King 5.35 Ebony Jewel
Kempton
5.30 Queen Of Kalahari 6.00 Nahham 6.30 Bringthehousedown 7.00 Dono Di Dio 7.30 Maksab 8.00 Choice Encounter 8.30 Merchant Of Venice
