I’ll be down at Sandown on Saturday where Optimus Maximus looks highly likely to get favourite backers off to a flying start in the Toteplacepot Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at 1.30pm.
Bred to be a star over hurdles (he’s a half-brother to a couple of horses you’ll remember: Paul Nicholls’ very useful Albuhera, plus Irish and French Guineas winner Bachir) Nicky Henderson’s charge cost an eye-watering €825,000 when snapped up by current connections, and duly obliged at the first time of asking when readily drawing away from a good field in an above-average contest at Newbury a fortnight ago.
There’s still a bit of work to do to redeem his price tag, but Newbury was a start, and at current exchange rates there’s only about another €822,000 to go.
Tomorrow’s price won’t be anything to write home about, but he’s definite banker material for multiples fans, since soft ground holds no fears and he hurdled like a natural at Newbury.
No bigger than 33/1 for the Triumph Hurdle he can enhance his reputation with a cosy success here.�
The second race on the card should also go the way of favourite backers with 2008 Triumph Hurdle winner Celestial Halo set to advertise his Champion Hurdle claims in the Totepool Contenders Hurdle at 2.05pm.
He made a very pleasing return at Ascot last time in the re-arranged Boylesports International, running into the roadblock which is Binocular, but nonetheless performing with distinction in having to make the running, and then finishing well clear of Chomba Womba, Katchit and Crack Away Jack.�
Saturday’s opposition is nothing like as formidable, with Osana likely to need the run, and Afsoun just short of the class necessary to compete at the very highest level.�
They race for a tasty first prize of £31,310 in the Totesport.com Masters Handicap Chase at 3.45pm, and I’ll be having a couple of quid on a young horse on the upgrade in the shape of Jonjo O’Neill’s Can’t Buy Time, who’s definitely one to keep on the right side of.
Creeping up the weights after wins at Southwell, Huntingdon and Ascot, he posted a sound effort in finishing a close third in the Haydock’s Tommy Whittle Chase just before Christmas, and getting in with a handy 10st and the very capable Richie McLernon’s claim a further boost, he’ll be a danger to all on ground he’ll love.
The one to fear could be Nicky Richards’ According To John, off the track for 14 months, but third to Denman in the 2007 SunAlliance. According to connections he’ll need the run but with high-class form in the book he could be one to watch.�
Lastly I had to laugh at the tv coverage of Wigan v Liverpool on Wednesday night, and it’s hats off to whoever chooses the music at the JJB Stadium……new signing Mido slots in the penalty to make it 1-1, cue a bit of music to mark the occasion, what do they play? Walk like an Egyptian. Brilliant! Whoever is responsible deserves a pay-rise. Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan is sure to be reading this so take note. The sight of thousands of pie-eating Wiganers doing the accompanying dance moves is a sight to behold.�
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Good luck!
Tom
Saturday’s Sandown Tips
Optimus Maximus (1:30)
Celestial Halo (2:05)
Can’t Buy me Time (3:45)
