Friday's Grade Two hurdle at Sandown has a Festival feel to it
The Ballymore Winter Novices' Hurdle (2.20 Fri) is a little cracker, and has been won by some very decent horses in the past. Just the ticket to get us thinking about a certain Cotswolds bonanza in March - as if we needed any help on that score.
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Paul Nicholls has been enjoying a terrific season to date, and saddles Henri The Second. One run this term so far, a decent second at a shade of odds-on in a Chepstow maiden. The five-yr-old will be looking to go one better.
Potential favourite is Donald McCain's Maximillian, an unbeaten German-bred for whom this represents easily his stiffest task to date. We're about to find out a lot more about him, but he looks promising and progressive.
Right in the mix too is Man At Work, a son of Epsom Derby-winner Workforce no less, and a cosy scorer in an Aintree novice last month. He represents the evergreen Pipe/Scudamore combo, others with plenty of reasons to be enjoying '22/23.
A small and select intended field is topped off by Henry's Friend (behind Man At Work in Liverpool), I'd Like To Know (Worcester maiden hurdle winner), and Park This One (winning form in a point, bumper, and novice hurdle).
There's a lovely Friday card at Sandown Park, setting us up nicely for Saturday's Tingle Creek showpiece. As for this particular two-and-a-half-mile test, let's hope one or two might put up their hands regarding the Festival itself and advertise their prospects accordingly.
It's a fascinating contest, and the four-yr-old Man At Work was certainly impressive at Aintree. He could have more to come on what will be only the third run of his life.
Tom 'Scu' (pictured above) and David Pipe will hope they've got another warm one in their care - we'll soon find out!
Selection - Man At Work, to win, Sandown 2.20pm, Friday.
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