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Todays bets:
Leicester 1.55
It would've been hard to imagine Hustle as a sprinter last season but his new Trainer has taken him back to his roots and it appeared a good move on the evidence of his race at Folkestone earlier this month. Travelling well he looked unlucky to finish fifth after meeting significant interference. That wouldn't have been the slowest track in the country and he could be seen to even better effect on this stiffer course. He could have untapped potential as a sprinter and a mark of 82 won't stop him if he has. Likes quick ground and the retention of Jamie Spencer(21% strike rate for the yard) looks significant for their only representative at the venue today. Sparton Duke has handicap form from today's mark and the combination of a stiff track, fast ground and a decent pace could bring out the best in him. Only win came after a similar break.
Selection HUSTLE. 2 point win @ 5/1 (Bet 365 and Coral)
Selection SPARTON DUKE. 1 point E/W @ 16/1 (General)
Sandown 2.05
Tasheba, Spanish Conquest and Dantari all bring winning runs into this race but, although Sangfroid is still a maiden after nine starts over hurdles, he has a progressive profile and shouldn't be dismissed lightly. He has to recover from a fall last time out but, if none the worse for that, he could get competitive if he returns to the form of his penultimate race here over 20 furlongs. Subsequent events have shown he probably faced a very stiff task trying to give almost a stone to the winner and, in the circumstances, did well to get within four lengths. Racing from a three pound higher mark he has proven himself on fast ground on the flat and is relatively unexposed over this sort of trip as a hurdler. Trainer/Jockey turn up for just the one entry at any meeting today.
Selection SANGFROID. 1 point E/W @ 10/1 (General) 1st 12/1
Sandown 3.10
A wide open, competitive, but not vintage renewal of this race. Nearly every horse has one reservation or another and, even though the early markets don't speak in his favour, a small e/w investment in Always' Waining may pay dividends. He has never excelled beyond 25 furlongs in the past but he has threatened to stay extreme trips and he is given another chance now he gets the faster ground he enjoys. He returned to form on good ground over the National fences at Aintree last time out after pulling up on soft ground in his three previous outings. The easy winner of a Listed Handicap Chase over 23 furlongs at Market Rasen last September he wouldn't be weighted out of this race on a six pound higher mark. He gets on particularly well with today's jockey and he knows how to win having won 12 of his 48 races in all disciplines.
Selection ALWAYS WAINING. 1 point E/W @ 25/1 (Sportingbet)
Sandown 3.45
Paco Boy is the class act of this race but, if Kandidate makes this a true test, he could be found wanting on the climb to the finish. Stotsfold has the opposite problem because he stays further. However at the relative prices he may be worth an e/w bet to nothing if he can keep tabs on the speedier types. He has had the pace to win over 10 furlongs at Chester and Goodwood and this Group Three winner has Group One form which could trouble the favourite in receipt of six pounds.
Selection STOTSFOLD. 1 point E/W @ 8/1 (Sportingbet and Stan James) 3rd
Sandown 4.50
Selection STEVIE THUNDER. 1 point E/W @ 20/1 (Bet365) 3rd
Selection DUNNO. 1 point E/W @ 12/1 (General) 1st
Haydock 6.10
Selection IMPRESSIBLE. 1 point E/W @ 12/1 (Sportingbet) 1st
Selection GRISSOM. 1 point E/W @ 14/1 (Bet365)