SANDOWN

2:20 G1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase

Balco Coastal (Nico De Boinville)

He was very good at Kempton last time and Nico was quick to suggest this race would be a suitable target and we are very hopeful he could still end up top class over fences because that has always been his game. This looks a competitive renewal but he’s schooled well and worked well and goes there with a very solid chance.

2:55

Call Me Lord (Ben Bromley)

He’s been in good form all season, loves this track and is reunited with Ben Bromley who, we all know what happened the last time they met, but these things happen and he’s going to take a very valuable 7lbs off. I’m not entirely convinced this is really his trip but he’s in excellent shape and the ground will suit.

Bothwell Bridge (Nico De Boinville)

Has has been quite disappointing and was due to run at Newbury on New Year’s Eve but the ground was too soft so we’re coming here because the going will be good and we’re sort of hoping the switch back to hurdles will help. However, it is quite hard to realistically fancy him off the back of three PUs!

3:30

Emir Sacree (Nico De Boinville)

He got pulled up in a bog at Hereford last time when the ground was horrible so I’d draw a line straight through that. The ground here will be much better and I’ve been looking forward to stepping him up in trip. He’s not done much racing for a horse of his age but has won three of his seven races for us and I like him.

WETHERBY

2:40 G2 Towton Novices’ Chase

City Chief (James Bowen)

There are only four runners but you couldn’t rule any of them out and it looks very competitive. I thought City Chief was good at Hereford last time and that will have helped his confidence after a slightly inauspicious start to his chasing career at Exeter. This is a step up in grade but he’s a lovely big horse with lots of scope for this game and he should go nicely.