Sandown; Analysis of the TimeWise top two ranked+The Spotlights Verdicts+The Race Stats

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This analysis works through all races scheduled for Sandown, Saturday, November 25th, in chronological order, drawing upon the TimeWise Master Ratings, form comments, Spotlight Verdicts, and available race statistics from the provided sources.


12.30 Oddschecker Bet Builder “Chasing Excellence” Novices’ Chase (1m 7f 99y, Class 3)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Total TimeWise Rating)

  1. Salver (FR)
  2. Admiral Stewart

Recent Form and Comments

  • Salver (FR): This horse is a useful hurdler whose Grade 2 form includes a success over 2m as a juvenile. His last appearance was a close second at Sandown over 2m5f on good ground. He is well clear of his sole opponent on the figures, holding an RPR of 148.
  • Admiral Stewart: He is a point/hurdle winner who still has low mileage. He represents an in-form stable and may be capable of progress over fences this term. However, he has plenty to find with Salver on ratings. His RPR is 122.

Spotlight Verdict

Admiral Stewart has the pointing experience that his sole opponent lacks. However, SALVER is streets ahead on ratings and should be difficult to beat, provided he takes to fences.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups: Available data only provides general age categories for other race types, so specific data for this Novices’ Chase is not detailed in the sources.
  • Fate of Favourites: General records are available for other race types, but not specifically this one.
  • Trainer Records (Last 14 Days Win %): Jamie Snowden (67%), Gary and Josh Moore (30%).

Assessment of the Top Two

HorseStrengthWeaknessSuitability
Salver (FR)Superior ratings (RPR 148); proven quality in Grade 2 company over hurdles.Chasing debut, so must prove he takes to fences.High class may negate chasing inexperience in this field.
Admiral StewartLow mileage; beneficial point experience, which his rival lacks; representing an in-form stable (Snowden, 67% in last 14 days).Needs significant improvement to match Salver on official figures (RPR 122).Might be better suited to fences but is facing a statistically superior rival.

1.00 Oddschecker Seven Day Free Trial Handicap Chase (2m 4f 10y, Class 3)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Total TimeWise Rating)

  1. Kado De Joie (FR) (Joint Top)
  2. Invincible Nao (FR) (Joint Top)

Recent Form and Comments

  • Kado De Joie (FR): Scored gamely at Worcester (2m4f, good) when last seen six months ago. His hurdles record stands at 4-12. This is his chasing debut and he is respected, assuming he takes well to fences. His OR is 124.
  • Invincible Nao (FR): Gained his last season’s wins over 3m1f/3m4f at Plumpton, both on soft ground. He has form at 2m4f but may not be crying out for this big drop back in trip or the forecast better ground. His RPR is 136.

Spotlight Verdict

Another chance is given to THE GOOD DOCTOR, who started last season with a couple of promising efforts and may stay this trip returned to forecast better ground. Chase debutant Kado De Joie warrants respect.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (General for this race type): 6yo 0-0-2, 7yo 1-1-4.
  • Fate of Favourites: General chase statistics show a 4-10 record for favourites (40%).
  • Trainer Records (Last 14 Days Win %): N Henderson (50%), G & J Moore (30%), B Pauling (70%).

Assessment of the Top Two

HorseStrengthWeaknessSuitability
Kado De Joie (FR)Recent hurdles winner over this distance (2m4f); handles good ground; respected connections (Henderson).Making chase debut; must prove his jumping holds up.Distance and ground appear suitable.
Invincible Nao (FR)High RPR (136); proven winner, although over longer distances.May not appreciate the drop back to 2m4f; previous wins were on soft ground, potentially questioning suitability for good ground.Seems best suited to slower ground and staying trips.

1.30 Oddschecker Plus Subscription Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (2m 3f 173y, Class 3)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Total TimeWise Rating)

  1. Paso Doble (IRE)
  2. Glynn Brae (IRE)

Recent Form and Comments

  • Paso Doble (IRE): Regained the winning thread at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) on his reappearance, taking his hurdles record to 3-8. He remains well treated on peak figures. OR 122.
  • Glynn Brae (IRE): Holds a novice hurdle record of 3-6, with wins gained at 2m/2m1f on soft/heavy ground. He failed to get home over 2m3f on his final start and still has something to prove at this sort of trip. OR 128.

Spotlight Verdict

Assuming he builds on a good reappearance effort, INTO THE PARK may prove best. Ike Sport, who has won over C&D and drops back in class, is second choice. Handicap debutant Akimos and British debutant Mon Champion are interesting types.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (General for this race type): 4yo 1-0-9, 5yo 2-5-26, 6yo 4-7-23, 7yo 1-4-15, 8yo 1-2-7, 9yo 0-1-4, 11yo 1-0-1, 12yo 0-0-1.
  • Fate of Favourites (General for this race type): 5-10 record for favourites (50%).
  • Trainer Records (Wins-Places-Runs in this race type): Paul Nicholls (1-1-8). Nicky Henderson (1-1-3).

Assessment of the Top Two

HorseStrengthWeaknessSuitability
Paso Doble (IRE)Recent winner on reappearance; still well treated on peak figures. Proven winner over 2m3f on good to soft.Was absent for a long period prior to his light campaign in 2024-25.Highly suitable based on recent winning form and distance preference.
Glynn Brae (IRE)Good novice form; carries top weight (12-0).Question marks over stamina at this trip (failed to get home over 2m3f previously); wins came on soft/heavy ground, may prefer slower going.Trip remains a concern based on previous runs.

2.05 Best Odds At Oddschecker Maiden Hurdle (1m 7f 216y, Class 3)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Total TimeWise Rating)

  1. Hurricane Pat (IRE)
  2. Laguna Beach (FR)

Recent Form and Comments

  • Hurricane Pat (IRE): Made a strong showing in Irish points (close second twice). He is 2-3 in bumpers, winning on this card last year (good to soft) and at Chepstow in March. He is considered a leading player upon switching to hurdles. His RPR is 127.
  • Laguna Beach (FR): Showed promise when finishing fifth of 18 in a bumper at the Punchestown festival (2m, yielding). He is a son of Blue Bresil and is an interesting prospect with potential for progress. His RPR is 120.

Spotlight Verdict

Progressive HURRICANE PAT was successful on this card 12 months ago and returns here with a leading chance on form. Interesting Laguna Beach, another hurdles debutant, is feared most.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (General for this race type): 4yo 3-4-24, 5yo 6-10-44, 6yo 0-2-12, 7yo 0-0-2, 9yo 0-0-1.
  • Fate of Favourites: Favourites have won 5 out of 9 races (55%) in similar contests.
  • Trainer Records (Wins-Places-Runs in this race type): Nicky Henderson (3-1-6). Harry Fry (1-0-1). Ben Pauling (0-1-3).

Assessment of the Top Two

HorseStrengthWeaknessSuitability
Hurricane Pat (IRE)Strong bumper record including a win on this card; highest RPR (127); established rules form.Making hurdles debut.Formidable contender based on previous rules results and proven track experience.
Laguna Beach (FR)Promises based on Punchestown bumper run; excellent pedigree (Blue Bresil) and connections (Henderson).Making hurdles debut.Expected to improve and challenge the favourite.

2.40 Oddschecker Free Bets Handicap Hurdle (1m 7f 216y, Class 3)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Total TimeWise Rating)

  1. Nardaran (FR)
  2. Aurigny Mill (FR)

Recent Form and Comments

  • Nardaran (FR): Achieved an emphatic success at Plumpton (2m, good to soft) on reappearance after wind surgery. His hurdles record stands at 2-5. Further improvement is plausible. RPR 141.
  • Aurigny Mill (FR): Holds a record of 2-5 for his new yard and is returning to a lower grade. His RPR is 142. However, as an 8yo, he concedes plenty of weight to younger rivals.

Spotlight Verdict

Off an attractive mark on his first start since wind surgery, ROYAL WAY is an interesting alternative to Nardaran who nevertheless commands respect after posting an easy reappearance win.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups (General for this race type): 4yo 2-3-24, 5yo 3-10-32, 6yo 2-1-16, 7yo 1-3-9, 8yo 1-0-4, 9yo 0-0-2, 12yo 0-0-1.
  • Fate of Favourites: Favourites have won 4 out of 9 races (44%) in similar contests.
  • Trainer Records (Wins-Places-Runs in this race type): Paul Nicholls (0-1-3).

Assessment of the Top Two

HorseStrengthWeaknessSuitability
Nardaran (FR)Impressive reappearance win; benefited from wind surgery; potential for further progress as a 4yo.None cited, though the Spotlight preferred Royal Way.Distance (2m) and good to soft conditions are proven to suit.
Aurigny Mill (FR)Highest RPR (142); drops back in class.Concedes significant weight (12-0). An 8yo facing strong younger opposition.Needs to defy the weight burden in this competitive class.

3.15 Oddschecker Veterans’ Handicap Chase (3m 37y, Class 2)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Total TimeWise Rating)

  1. Only The Bold (IRE)
  2. Courtland (IRE)

Recent Form and Comments

  • Only The Bold (IRE): Is back in better form this year. He recently landed a notable summer handicap at Uttoxeter (3m2f, good), taking his chase record to 3-8. He is respected in this switch to a veterans’ contest. RPR 150.
  • Courtland (IRE): Has seven career chase wins. He enters calculations based on his best form this season, including two second-place finishes in a major handicap and a veterans’ event at Chepstow. He unseated his rider mid-race at Ascot last weekend. RPR 144.

Spotlight Verdict

Being 10yos, all of the runners are at the lower end of the veteran age spectrum. ONLY THE BOLD (nap) beat plenty of younger rivals in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter when last seen and is taken to follow up. Twig, who could do well in this sphere, is second pick ahead of Courtland.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups: The vast majority of runners are 10yo (7-5-29). The race is restricted to 10yo+ horses.
  • Fate of Favourites: Favourites have won 4 out of 9 races (44%) in similar veteran contests.
  • Trainer Records (Last 14 Days Win %): J Snowden (67%), M Bowen (45%), A Honeyball (100%), B Pauling (70%).

Assessment of the Top Two

HorseStrengthWeaknessSuitability
Only The Bold (IRE)Strong winning form (Uttoxeter Summer Cup); highest RPR (150); strong confidence from the Spotlight (nap).None cited, appears ideally suited by current form and switch to veterans’ company.Excellent suitability based on distance preference (3m+) and recent form on good ground.
Courtland (IRE)Proven winner (7 chase wins); good form in major handicaps and veterans’ events this season.Unseated rider in his most recent run.Highly suitable for this veterans’ contest based on consistent recent form.

3.50 Oddschecker Premium Tipsters Open National Hunt Flat Race (1m 7f 216y, Class 4)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated (Total TimeWise Rating)

  1. Graeme The Grey
  2. Monansunu

Recent Form and Comments

  • Graeme The Grey: Brings the best bumper form, derived from a well-held second at Fontwell and a modest fourth at Fakenham last winter. The standard he sets is considered far-from-daunting. RPR 99.
  • Monansunu: Finished a modest third at Fontwell when last seen. He is considered to be well below the usual standard required to win this race. RPR 92.

Spotlight Verdict

The runners with bumper experience look nothing out of ordinary. DROPEMATTHESTATION, Connies Hill and Saint Invictus are interesting on their point form, preferred in that order, while the newcomers also need a close look. The market signals should help to complete the picture.

Race Statistics

  • Age Groups: 4yo 5-13-57, 5yo 4-3-20, 6yo 0-0-2.
  • Fate of Favourites: Favourites have won 3 out of 8 recorded races (37.5%) in similar contests.
  • Trainer Records (Wins-Places-Runs in this race type): Nick Gifford (1-0-6).

Assessment of the Top Two (Based on TimeWise Bumper Form)

  • Graeme The Grey: Strength: Best existing bumper form (RPR 99); stable is a past winner of this race type. Weakness: The standard set is low relative to typical winners of this race. Suitability: Holds the benchmark form, but improvement is required to win.
  • Monansunu: Strength: Has rules experience. Weakness: Modest form (RPR 92); considered “well below the usual standard required”. Suitability: Needs significant improvement, with point-to-point recruits offering more interest.

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