Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Sandown Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Sandown 1.13 – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
I’m going with Made U Blush (4/1) who is twice a winner this season, including Listed level last time at Musselburgh.
She’s not run recently for no reason other than she was waiting to go to Cheltenham, which was abandoned, and this race was put on at Sandown.
She’s had longer off the track because of that but she’s been training well and had a little freshen up, which has done her no harm.
I expect her to go well, she’ll enjoy the ground and I think she is still improving.
She’s a strong traveller so a bit of pace and tuck her in behind and I think she will go very well.
Megan’s Tip: Made U Blush WIN
Sandown 1.45 – Novices' Championship Final Handicap Hurdle
Minella Yoga (11/2) in this one who has seen both victories come on good ground.
The form from Newbury has obviously worked out very well and he was back to winning ways last time out at a lesser event at Taunton and this looks a nice opportunity for him.
He is still a young, immature horse who is strengthening up, growing and changing all the time and this is a nice way to round off his juvenile campaign before stepping up to be a real nice horse in the next couple of seasons.
It’s worth mentioning that he gets a weight allowance due to his age so, though he is highest on the ratings, he doesn’t have to carry the highest weight.
Megan’s Tip: Minella Yoga WIN
Sandown 2.20 – Oaksey Chase
Blow Your Wad (7/2 fav) has been thriving since joining Gary Moore and a change of scenery has clearly done him well.
His form has worked out nicely from Cheltenham; he won out at Chepstow last time, a slight drop back down in trip and the 2m 6f here looks pretty ideal.
He’s a horse that is track and ground versatile, he has plenty of ability and, in a small field here, this is a good opportunity for him to win at a graded level.
It’s an open field but he is a horse that seems to be thriving.
Megan’s Tip: Blow Your Wad WIN
Sandown 3.30 – Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
I like Montregard (13/2) here.
Only a couple of runs this season, his wins have been at Ascot, most of those runs have been there with one disappointing outing at Kempton – but he bounced out of that to win since.
I think the ground suits, he obviously must prove his stamina over the extended distance but he will be ridden with patience and Stan Sheppard really gets a tune out of him.
If he can travel into it smoothly and keep him covered up, he has got a bit of a turn of foot.
With the ground being quicker, too, the emphasis won't be on stamina as much as we have seen in previous years.
The fact that it is nice ground will suit him so Montregard could take the feature trace.
Megan’s Tip: Montregard WIN
Sandown 4.02 – Select Hurdle
Odds-on favourite Kabral Du Mathan (1/2 fav) will be very hard to beat.
He is super talented. He ultimately didn’t stay at Cheltenham and the drop back down in trip is ideal.
I think two and a half is his optimum. This is a 2m 5f, so it is a drop down in grade and is less competitive than the Grade 1 at Cheltenham.
He is very capable here – I think it is his race to lose.
This is an opportunity to finish off a really successful and improving campaign.
Megan’s Tip: Kabral Du Mathan WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
