Sandown Saturday 26/04/08

[billy the punter]

1.05 Sandown Trans Siberian’s debut run worked out well so it was no surprise he was successful on his 2^nd start. He was a bit of a baby last year and with improvement expected he should find a race or two this season. I backed him on his first run this season and he ran a cracker to get touched off. That was his first some for 10 months and he is certain to improve for it. He pulled very hard early too and I was amazed he had a say in the finish after doing so. Looks a certain future winner off 77 and has the added bonus of a flat jock on board. Must figure here. Trans Siberian 100% of stake 3.65 betfair 3.20 Sandown Bewleys Berry ran well for a long way in the National before failing to get the trip. This 3m5f would suit and if the GN hasn't taken too much out of him (doesn't take a lot of racing) he looks sure to go well here. I backed Knowhere E/W at huge odds in the GN and he was going well in about 6th when he unseated due to a runner taking his ground at Valentines. I really think, despite his weight, he could've played a part in the finish. Again he has a high mark to defy and again their is a worry the GN has taken his toll - although maybe less so with him as he'd only been hunted round up to his fall. Hardly a punter's race but I'll have a bit of fun at value prices on these two horses who I have a lot of time for. Bewleys Berry 40% of stake 11/1 gen Knowhere 60% of stake 18 betfair 5.05 Sandown

Cape Hawk's 2nd to Lucarno and win beating Malt Or Mash read very well now, as does his 1l 4th in the London Mile Final here in September. Hasn't been seen since and lightly raced for his age (especially for a Hannon horse) so he is obviously hard to keep right or had problems. He is 2/4 here, the two defeats were 2nd to Lucarno (an impossible task) and a close up 4th of 15 mentioned above. Obvious claims if all is well.

That is what I wrote about Cape Hawk before his last run and he did go on to win. He travelled like a dream in that race and had the race sewn up a long way from home. He acts on turf and despite a 9lb hike he is still well handicapped on the best of his form and is likely to improve further. This race looks a total match between him and Jamboretta. She is another one my shortlist this year and I am confident her current handicap mark of 85 will look very lenient when looking back at the end of the season. I will probably follow her all season so will take a chance on her here even though the drop back to a mile is far from ideal and the easy ground is an unknown. If Cape Hawk is too good for her today I'm sure I'll get my money back before long. Jamboretta 100% of stake

[BillyHills]

Re: Sandown Saturday 26/04/08 San 2.10 : Shatabdi EW 14/1 Paddys Very competative hurdle but reckon Shatabdi is worth a second glance, Nicky Hendersons horse is always ridden by the amateur but the 7lbs claim is handy in a race like this. Still fairly lightly raced and always runs an honest race, the only ones he's been well beaten in were the Grade 2 races. Ran a cracker last time at Aintree behind Auroras Encore, and goes on any ground. I think we havnt seen the very best of this horse in a race where many have had plenty of chances and long seasons behind them.