I'm going to have a very silly and very small EW on Zakaroo in the 3:20 at Fakenham at 150/1, theres nothing to suggest that a decent run is expected but i like to back horses with names beginning with 'Z' and as this is the only one i can see that is running today then i thought why not give it a shot!
My main one today is Paul Nicholls trained Gwanako who I think will take a good deal of beating in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup. He ran a fair race last time in a tough veterans chase and I like the fact that he has got on with the job under riding from less experienced jockeys, and today he has Jody Sole on his back, who has won three times over the fences at Sandown in the last five seasons, including a win on Gwanako last season. The step up to three miles is a slight worry, but I don't expect them to go off at too fast a pace, and the faster ground should help him stay the trip. He has won over 2m5f110yds before, so I think he can stay this trip and win here for Jody Sole and Paul Nicholls. 2/1 is a fair price. I have also backed the Nick Williams horse Rio De Sivola in the 1.20, as I think the jolly isn't a natural hurdler and this horse is open to improvement and I think he can run a big race with the able assistance of Geraghty from the saddle. 9/2 Two singles and a double.
13:20 Sandown - Rio De Sivola (I know, Nass beat me to it again but (honestly) was checking breeding and whatnot! Selections's first run against Alborz at Ffos Las was promising and looked to be a decent hurdler. Breeding on both sides suggest he will not be inconvenienced by the very soft ground today. You can blame me, Nass, if it blows-up!).
Henry The Aviator 2/1 3:40 Lingfield (nap) i'll alway's have a soft spot for any of HTN's offspring and this fellow won pretty cosily for what was a impressive looking debut over 2 weeks ago at Wolves. His opening mark of 75 seems pretty fair but i think he will easily defy that mark in time and he's taken to win here today. I will throw HTA in a good double as well as a single with Broxbourne 10/11 Wolves 8:00 just to sweeten the honey. Enjoy the day's racing folks.
I've not asked Steve so i don't know if they fancy it but Honest John looks decent each way value at 6/1 here.
A work colleague knows the jockey on DOUBLE DIZZY 14/1 who reckons it has strong place claims 3.00 Sandown
Did anyone see the 2.25 Sandown? Was the Mullins mare in contention at the last when falling (and is she OK?), or did Utopie Des Bordes already have the race won?
Done by a Lucy Wadham horse. I will never let it down! Hope if you were on mine you were on each way.
Fairy Rath was a bit odd. He got very tired late on and O'Regan took care of him. Probably went off too hard out in front?
