Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Sandown and Musselburgh Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Sandown 2.02 – Handicap Chase
I am going to stick with Escapeandevade (5/1) who gets his probably preferred slightly softer ground – he’s been consistent and running very well. The stiff track at Sandown will potentially help him as well.
It is interesting that there has been money for Dr T J Eckleburg (5/1). He has been out of form for a while, but really relishes these testing conditions. He was a bit better at Windsor last time, too.
He is one to keep an eye on, and it is only a small field.
Those could be the two for the forecast.
Megan’s Tip: Escapeandevade, Dr T J Eckleburg FORECAST
Musselburgh 2.20 – Scottish Champion Chase
I think JPR One (4/1) has been knocking on the window and this looks a good opportunity for him to go one better.
He has been running well and enjoys the ground here, which is about good to soft – luckily, right up north, the rain hasn’t been quite as heavy as the rest of the country.
The track will suit him as well, and I just think he is more straightforward than the likes of Insurrection and Teddy Blue are probably a little unreliable.
JPR One is a solid performer who often backs up his runs and is about ready to get his head back in front.
Megan’s Tip: JPR One WIN
Sandown 2.40 – Novices Chase
I was very taken by Kitzbuhel (4/5 fav) at Kempton.
He’s not the biggest horse, but he is a real athlete. He got into a great jumping rhythm and his rivals never managed to lay any sort of attack on him.
He’s a much-improved horse for fences, and he is maturing mentally.
It’s great to see Harry Cobden back in the saddle after injury and he’s been back in the winners' enclosure already. This could be the Grade One winner he is looking for after a spell on the sidelines.
Megan’s Tip: Kitzbuhel WIN
Musselburgh 3.00 – Stayers Novices Hurdle
I do think Absolutely Doyen (4/5 fav) is going to be hard to beat.
He is a hugely improved horse this season, and stepping up in trip should really help as he’s a very strong stayer. Who knows how much further improvement there is – he just keeps winning and impressing us.
He has had a busy time of things, but bounces out of his races so well and is a relaxed horse, so doesn’t overdo himself on raceday.
If he handles the travel up north and settles nicely, he will be hard to beat. His odds suggest that too, but he is an exciting stayer going forward.
Megan’s Tip: Absolutely Doyen WIN
Sandown 3.10 – Handicap Hurdle
It’s great they have got hurdles races on and Henri The Second (11/4 fav) looks like he has a massive chance.
He loves Sandown, loves testing ground and ran very well last time when only narrowly beaten.
The step up trip is positive; he stays well, and these are basically his optimum conditions. It looks a nice opportunity for him to get his head in front.
For whatever reason, he didn’t particularly take to chasing, but is enjoying himself back on the Hurdles, and everything looks to have fallen right for him here.
Megan’s Tip: Henri The Second WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
