Sandown’s Grand Military Gold Cup for amateur jockeys is always a popular meeting. Unfortunately, this year’s fixture on Tuesday afternoon has attracted only 39 runners due to the testing ground.
We will provide a Horse Racing tip, preview and prediction for the 4.05pm race at the Esher racecourse together with two races from the jump meeting at Newcastle in the north-east, the Class 3 Quinnbet Handicap Chase at 3.15pm and thirty five minutes later at 3.50pm, a 2m handicap hurdle.
“Tip of the Day” – The Ferry Master – 3.15pm Newcastle
A disappointing field of only four runners for this Class 3 handicap chase headed by Bavington Bob, winner of his last three starts, but the in-form runner may have to play second fiddle to Sandy Thomson’s Scottish Grand National fourth of last season.
The Ferry Master (NAP) – 3.15pm Newcastle
The Ann Hamilton-trained Bavington Bob will attempt to record a four-timer in this extended 2m 7f handicap chase after winning twice over today’s course and distance before completing the hat-trick at Carlisle last month.
The mount of trailblazing jockey Brian Hughes, on a mark 17lb higher than when starting the season, may just be in the grip of the handicapper now and could have to settle for second spot behind last season’s Scottish Grand National fourth The Ferry Master.
Unlike Bavington Bob, Sandy Thomson’s charge has been dropped 7lb by the handicapper since going down by just over seven lengths to Mighty Thunder in the Ayr marathon last April. Back over a more suitable trip, as when fifth in the Rehearsal Chase on the course in November, Ryan Mania’s mount should have too many guns for his main market rival.
Friary Rock (Longshot) – 3.50pm Newcastle
The Laura Morgan stable has landed a few gambles this season and any market move for her Friary Rock should be taken seriously in this modest 2m handicap hurdle.
David Noonan’s mount has shown nothing in three starts since joining Morgan from Ireland just before Christmas. But on his final start for Mouse Morris finished a five length third at Gowran Park behind subsequent Dublin Racing Festival winner Good Time Jonny who was in receipt of 8lb from the Spanish Moon gelding.
A repeat of that effort would make the seven-year-old a good thing off a 7lb lower mark of 112. With more improvement guaranteed, and coming from a stable that knows the time of day, Friary Rock could easily leave those last three runs well behind.
Planned Paradise, Enlighten and Greatest Star look to be the obvious dangers.
Git Maker (Next Best) – 4.05pm Sandown
A change of tactics has brought a form revival for the Dan Skelton-trained top weight West To The Bridge who has won his last two starts, both after making all of the running, the most recent being at Carlisle last month.
With amateur rider Tristan Durrell taking 7lb off, another bid from the front could see the nine-year-old land a hat-trick of victories. West To The Bridge faces an improving performer however in the unbeaten Git Maker who has been allotted an opening handicap mark of 124 following comfortable novice hurdle wins at Chepstow and Carlisle.
The Jamie Snowden-trained six-year-old has yet to be tested since going over hurdles and time may show his rating for this Class 3 handicap to be on the lenient side.
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