13:55 Sandown

Thursday 15 February 2024

All13:2013:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:46

Team Forces 'Ubique' Handicap Chase

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 4m 3.5s

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Selected odds by:

Gunsight Ridge^t³³

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 135| C

9/1

C&D winner who was successful on return last season and quite possible he'd of given of the winner something to think about back from 14 months off at Wetherby (15f) in January, falling 4 out. Fairly low mileage for a 9-y-o and no surprise to see him thereabouts.

Form: 13P/15-F

Xcitations¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Jack Andrews⁽³⁾| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 135| CD

8/1

Returned to something like his best with a run under his belt when scoring over C&D in November (now 2-2 here). Mixed bag in trio of starts subsequently but his mark is beginning to steadily ease at least as a result.

Form: P-513U7

Le Ligerien^t³³

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 133

22/1

Built up an impressive strike rate for present yard, adding small-field C&D veterans' chase to his tally at Kempton in November. Placed both subsequent starts, latterly chasing home a progressive youngster back at Kempton, and should give another good account.

Form: 42-P132

Hardy Du Seuil²⁹³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 132| BF| C

9/1

Dual winner over fences during 2021/22 season and enjoyed a good spell campaigned over hurdles last term, successful here 13 months ago and signing off with pair of runners-up efforts in the spring. Possible this first start for 9 months will be needed back over larger obstacles.

Form: 531722-

Red Rookie^p,t¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 131| C

11/1

Returned to pick of his chase form to land final start of last term at Warwick (16.2f, heavy) in March. However, yet to truly fire this season, finishing last of those to complete in a C&D handicap 12 days ago.

Form: 1-37743

Etalon^t³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 131

4/6

Hurdles winner who looked potentially smart as he made a winning return/chase debut at Newbury (16.4f) in December. Made little fuss following up in a match at Warwick last month, jumping boldly and going clear quickly. Big player in hat-trick bid.

Form: 2214-11

The Last Day³³

Age: 12| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: Evan Williams| OR: 131

28/1

Sparingly campaigned veteran who fell on return at Ascot and, despite early mistakes, ran well to finish second at Wetherby (15f) 33 days ago. Mark has eased a little more and he's one to monitor, particularly with spring festivals in mind.

Form: 1/5P3-F2

Fast Buck^t⁴⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: C Gethings| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 124

18/1

Belatedly doubled his tally over fences when landing a small-field Wincanton handicap (15.7f, heavy) from the front last month. Remains feasibly treated nudged up 2 lb.

Form: 2P-5351

Man Again⁴⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Jack Tudor| T: D Pipe| OR: 122

33/1

Winning hurdler who displayed fairly useful form over fences in France, landing minor events at Beaupreau and Moulins, and claimer at Auteuil (17.4f) in November 2022. Absent since but underfoot conditions will hold no fears on yard debut and the betting should guide.

Form: 2F1-

Not Available^t,v²³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: Stan Sheppard| T: M Sheppard| OR: 120

22/1

Hit the target 3 times at around 2m last term but his attitude has appeared to hold him back over both sets of obstacles in recent months, again racing indolently when third of 6 in handicap chase at Newbury (16.4f) 23 days ago. Visor replaces blinkers now.

Form: P68543

Forecasts

Etalon (4/6), Xcitations (8/1), Gunsight Ridge (9/1), Hardy Du Seuil (9/1), Red Rookie (11/1), Fast Buck (18/1), Le Ligerien (22/1), Not Available (22/1), The Last Day (28/1), Man Again (33/1)

ETALON has been quick to mark himself down as a potentially smart novice with back-to-back victories over fences upon returning to action this winter and Dan Skelton's charge is fancied to defy another small rise in the weights and complete the hat-trick. Gunsight Ridge was firmly in the mix when falling 4 out at Wetherby in January and he's a danger. Xcitations, who is 2-2 over this C&D, and Fast Buck complete the shortlist.