1.0 Aintree Racecard Analysis

1.1 11:48 Daily Bet Boosts At William Hill Novices’ Hurdle

This Class 3 contest serves as an important qualifier for the Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series, bringing together a small but promising field of young hurdlers over two miles and one furlong. A race of this nature is a crucial proving ground, testing not just raw speed but also jumping fluency and the ability to handle the pressures of a competitive finish. Three very likeable prospects line up, each looking to solidify their credentials for bigger targets later in the season.

Based on TimeWise Master Ratings, the data points to two clear contenders:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Taurus Bay (354)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Captain Hugo (306)

Taurus Bay

Purchased for a significant £155,000 after winning his debut in an Irish maiden point-to-point, Taurus Bay has maintained a perfect record under rules. He secured his second win from two starts with an easy victory in a novice hurdle at Stratford in October. With his career in its infancy, his limitations are yet to be discovered, making him a horse of considerable interest.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His unbeaten record and impressive Stratford win mark him as a horse with significant potential, and the high purchase price underscores the belief of his connections. The primary challenge is that he is the least experienced hurdler in this field, and his ultimate class has yet to be truly tested against high-calibre opposition, a test this race provides.

Captain Hugo

Captain Hugo built on a solid bumper career, which included a nine-length win at Worcester, by making a successful hurdle debut at Newbury last month. That performance came in a warm maiden hurdle, and the form reads particularly well coming into this contest. He has demonstrated a clear aptitude for the discipline and arrives with leading claims.

Strengths & Weaknesses: The quality of his Newbury victory is a major strength, suggesting he is more than capable of handling this step up in class. His main challenge will be overcoming Taurus Bay, who brings a similarly progressive profile but less experience in a competitive maiden hurdle of this nature.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	4yo 5-3-26, 5yo 4-7-26
FATE OF FAVOURITES	321U12222

While TimeWise ratings give the edge to the unexposed Taurus Bay, the Spotlight verdict favours proven form in a competitive maiden hurdle.

Spotlight Verdict

Three very likeable prospects. CAPTAIN HUGO won a warm maiden hurdle at Newbury last month and is preferred ahead of Taurus Bay, who was impressive at Stratford.

— [Ben Hutton]

The day’s action continues with a stamina-sapping examination for novice handicappers over three miles.

1.2 12:24 William Hill Each Way Extra Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

This Class 4 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle presents a formidable challenge, asking inexperienced hurdlers to navigate a testing trip of just over three miles. Success in this type of race demands not only sound jumping but also proven stamina, a crucial attribute that separates the contenders from the pretenders in the final stages. A well-judged handicap mark is equally important, offering progressive types a chance to shine.

The data from TimeWise Master Ratings highlights the following key contenders:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Princesse Milania (264)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Sandscape (239)

Princesse Milania

This mare has been in excellent form, securing back-to-back wins at Plumpton (3m1f) and on her stable debut at Wetherby (2m5f). Her most recent outing was a solid third at Catterick, where the sharp nature of the track may not have played to her strengths. A return to a more galloping course like Aintree is expected to suit, and there is every reason for optimism that she can build on that performance.

Analyst’s Assessment: Princesse Milania is a proven stayer who arrives in consistent form, perfectly matching the key demands of this race. The expectation that Aintree’s more galloping layout will play to her strengths is a significant positive. Her handicap mark still appears workable, positioning her as a strong candidate to regain the winning thread.

Sandscape

While still a maiden after eight starts over hurdles, Sandscape has demonstrated a consistent level of ability. His last two performances at Market Rasen over 2m7f were good efforts, finishing second on both occasions without being able to match the winner. The application of first-time headgear today could be the catalyst for unlocking further improvement.

Analyst’s Assessment: Sandscape’s consistency makes him a reliable each-way contender, though he lacks the winning form of top-rated Princesse Milania. He has proven form at staying trips, but the new headgear is an interesting variable that must spark enough improvement to see him finally get his head in front.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	4yo 1-0-2, 5yo 0-3-9, 6yo 1-0-9, 7yo 1-0-2, 8yo 0-1-1
FATE OF FAVOURITES	143

Spotlight Verdict

The sharp nature of Catterick did not appear to suit PRINCESSE MILANIA when she was denied a hat-trick a fortnight ago and she can regain the winning thread now back on a more galloping track. Top Guy stayed on well to go close over 2m4f at Southwell last time and is feared most now up in trip, while the very unexposed Glance Of Glory is also respected in his bid for a hat-trick.

— [Ben Hutton]

From the examination of staying novices over hurdles, we now pivot to the unique challenge presented by the larger obstacles in a competitive novices’ handicap chase.

1.3 12:58 William Hill Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

A Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase presents a fascinating puzzle, pitting horses with established hurdle ratings against those with unproven but significant potential over fences. In these contests, a horse’s initial chase performances can be highly informative, and jumping ability often trumps previous hurdles form. The potential for rapid improvement is high, making it a race where unexposed types are particularly dangerous.

According to TimeWise Master Ratings, two horses stand out:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Kdeux Saint Fray (324)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Captain Butler (317)

Kdeux Saint Fray

This five-year-old has a winning profile, with victories in a point-to-point, bumper, and maiden hurdle. After a fall on his chase debut, he quickly showed his true ability with a win at Cheltenham over 2m4f on soft ground three weeks ago. That performance suggests he is a natural over fences, and a subsequent 3lb rise in the handicap could prove lenient for a horse with his progressive profile.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His Cheltenham win is a very strong piece of form that demonstrates a clear aptitude for chasing, the key attribute required here. As a lightly raced five-year-old, he has significant scope for further improvement. His only question mark was the fall on his chase debut, but he has already proven he can bounce back decisively.

Captain Butler

A winner in point-to-point, bumper, and maiden hurdle company, Captain Butler is another very lightly raced prospect. He made his stable and handicap hurdle debut last month at Ayr, finishing a clear second as the even-money favourite. The switch to fences today is a logical step for this seven-year-old, and the combination of that recent outing and the move to larger obstacles could unlock considerable improvement.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His point-to-point background suggests chasing will be his forte, and his lightly raced profile leaves him open to significant progression. His lack of chasing experience under rules is the primary question mark, but unlike Kdeux Saint Fray, he arrives with a clean slate over fences and unexposed potential.

Despite Kdeux Saint Fray’s strong Cheltenham form and top rating, the Spotlight analysis leans towards the untapped chasing potential of another lightly raced prospect.

Spotlight Verdict

Some nice chasing prospects. Kdeux Saint Fray won at Cheltenham three weeks ago and could still be well treated following a 3lb rise but this may well go to CAPTAIN BUTLER, a lightly raced point winner who could improve for the switch to fences. Fellow chasing newcomer Guard The Moon could also go well, along with Pleasington.

— [Ben Hutton]

The quality steps up a notch for the following Class 2 handicap chase.

1.4 1:30 William Hill Racing Winnings Boost Handicap Chase

This Class 2 contest represents a significant step up in quality, attracting a competitive field of established handicappers and promising second-season chasers. Races of this calibre are often fiercely contested, requiring a blend of slick jumping, tactical pace, and a favourable handicap mark. Winners here often go on to compete in even more valuable prizes throughout the season.

The TimeWise Master Ratings identify a closely matched pair at the top:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Margaret’s Legacy (316)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Uncle Bert (312)

Margaret’s Legacy

This eight-year-old made a strong impression upon joining his current yard last winter, winning his first two starts over 2m4f on good to soft and soft ground. He returned from a break last month with a good second at Bangor, where he was clear of the rest alongside a rejuvenated winner. That performance confirms he has returned in excellent form and holds solid claims.

Analyst’s Assessment: Margaret’s Legacy has a progressive profile for this yard and has proven his effectiveness under today’s likely conditions. His recent run at Bangor confirms his wellbeing and suggests he is ready to be competitive off his current mark. He appears to have few weaknesses and is a leading contender.

Uncle Bert

Although he failed to threaten in three chase starts last autumn, his final effort over 3m1f here was not without promise, finishing behind a very well-handicapped winner. He subsequently proved his class over hurdles by winning off this same mark over three miles on soft ground in January. He should not be ruled out on his return to chasing.

Analyst’s Assessment: Uncle Bert is well-handicapped on his hurdles form, which is a major strength. His previous chase runs were inconclusive, but the promise shown at this track offers encouragement. The key question is whether he can translate his excellent hurdles rating to fences, a query not faced by the proven chaser Margaret’s Legacy.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	6yo 1-4-20, 7yo 4-3-24, 8yo 1-4-17, 9yo 1-2-14, 10yo 1-1-4
FATE OF FAVOURITES	463116FP53
TRAINERS IN THIS RACE	N W Alexander 2-0-4, Donald McCain 1-1-4

While ratings favour the consistent Margaret’s Legacy, the Spotlight team looks elsewhere in a competitive field for a horse with potentially more in hand.

Spotlight Verdict

A chance is taken on BLEU D’ENFER on his second run for Donald McCain. The form of his breakthrough chase win at Carlisle in April reads well and he may have needed his comeback run in the Grand Sefton here. His stablemate Richmond Lake won this race in 2023 and is second choice off an attractive mark. The Kalooki Kid is next on the list ahead of Margaret’s Legacy.

— [Ben Hutton]

The focus now shifts to the younger generation with a fascinating Listed juvenile hurdle.

1.5 2:05 William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Wirral Juvenile Hurdle

This Listed contest is a crucial proving ground for three-year-olds, serving as an early-season indicator for future Grade 1 contenders, particularly for the spring festivals. These races test the blend of raw talent, often from the Flat, with newfound jumping ability. Success here requires a level of precocity and professionalism beyond that of a standard novice hurdle.

The TimeWise Master Ratings favour two promising juveniles:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Lord (324)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Treasure Planet (296)

Lord

Formerly with Olly Murphy, Lord rattled off a hat-trick of juvenile hurdle wins in August and September before being sold for £70,000. He made his stable debut for Donald McCain in a Cheltenham Grade 2 three weeks ago, where the heavy ground may not have been to his liking. With conditions likely to be more suitable today, he is a strong candidate to bounce back.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His winning sequence demonstrates clear ability and a professional attitude, key assets in a race of this quality. The potential excuse of unsuitably heavy ground last time is a valid reason to expect a much-improved performance. However, he faces other unexposed and potentially high-class rivals.

Treasure Planet

This colt showed considerable promise in two Flat starts in Ireland before switching to hurdles. After a promising debut in October, he improved significantly to win easily at Ludlow last month. He appears to be a quick learner with plenty of scope for further progression and looks to be a key player.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His easy Ludlow win marks him as a juvenile on a steep upward curve. His main weakness is his relative inexperience against a horse like Lord, who has more wins and has already been tested at a higher grade, providing a valuable edge in a competitive Listed event.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	3yo 8-9-50
FATE OF FAVOURITES	21115123
TRAINERS IN THIS RACE	Paul Nicholls 4-0-5, Donald McCain 1-0-2, Dan Skelton 0-1-4

Spotlight Verdict

Heavy ground may have been against LORD in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham three weeks ago on his first run for Donald McCain and he is taken to bounce back and post his fourth juvenile hurdle win. Diamond Jim made an encouraging debut behind a useful prospect at Bangor and he is second choice ahead of Dan Skelton’s hurdling newcomer Edelak. Ludlow winner Treasure Planet and Irish raider Bibe Mus are others to consider.

— [Ben Hutton]

Next, we turn our attention to the day’s feature race, the prestigious Becher Handicap Chase over the iconic Grand National fences.

1.6 2:40 William Hill Half A Mill Becher Handicap Chase

The Becher Handicap Chase is one of the highlights of the winter jumping season, serving as a key trial for the Grand National itself. Run over the same iconic and formidable fences, this Premier Handicap is a unique and thrilling test of jumping prowess, stamina, and courage over a trip of nearly three and a quarter miles. Victory here requires a special type of horse, one who can handle the unique demands of the Aintree course.

According to the TimeWise Master Ratings, two horses are rated highest for this unique challenge:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Mr Vango (361)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Excello (337)

Mr Vango

This lightly raced nine-year-old is a thorough stayer, as proven by his victory in the 4m2f Midlands National at Uttoxeter in March. That win followed another major success over 3m1f at Haydock on soft ground. As a plucky front-runner, he can dig deep and find more improvement. Any rain will aid his cause, and despite a 9lb rise, he has a big shout.

Analyst’s Assessment: Mr Vango’s proven stamina over extreme distances, demonstrated in his Midlands National win, is his greatest asset and directly addresses the primary challenge of this unique Grand National trial. His front-running style could see him get into a good rhythm, but the main question is whether his bold jumping style can adapt to these unique obstacles on his first attempt.

Excello

Although without a win since 2023, Excello has valuable experience over these fences. He was running a big race in the Topham in April before a bad mistake two out, and his third-place finish in the Grand Sefton last month was his best performance for some time. He is clearly in the picture, but his stamina for this extended trip is a legitimate question mark.

Analyst’s Assessment: Excello’s proven ability to handle the Grand National fences is a significant strength that cannot be underestimated and gives him a key advantage over the course-inexperienced Mr Vango. He returns in good form, but both his runs over these fences have been over 2m5f, and whether he can see out an extra five furlongs is the key concern.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	6yo 0-1-4, 7yo 1-3-19, 8yo 3-12-50, 9yo 3-3-42, 10yo 0-4-18, 11yo 2-1-18, 12yo 0-0-8
FATE OF FAVOURITES	U110P312P
TRAINERS IN THIS RACE	Dan Skelton 1-0-2, Ben Pauling 0-1-4, Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero 0-1-1, Warren Greatrex 0-1-3

Spotlight Verdict

This trip is probably shorter than ideal for MR VANGO (nap) but there is plenty of rain in the forecast and strength in stamina can see this progressive 9yo register his fourth win in a row, assuming that he is not put off his stride by these fences. Gaboriot has been placed over them in the last two editions of the Grand Sefton and should not have a problem with this longer trip, but last season’s Welsh National hero Val Dancer, who seemed badly in need of his reappearance race five weeks ago, may emerge as the chief danger. Galia Des Liteaux is too well handicapped to be ignored, while veteran Roi Mage makes each-way appeal and Bioluminescence retains potential.

— [Richard Austen]

With the analysis from Aintree concluded, our focus now shifts to a high-quality card at Sandown Park.

2.0 Sandown Racecard Analysis

2.1 12:10 Betfair Exchange Claremont Novices’ Hurdle

The card at Sandown kicks off with a fascinating Listed Novices’ Hurdle of immense quality. The entire field arrives unbeaten over hurdles, making this a crucial early-season test where promising reputations are put on the line. A victory here signals the arrival of a potential top-class novice capable of competing at the highest level as the season progresses.

The TimeWise Master Ratings suggest a tight contest between the top two:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Fresh Perspective (358)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Soldier Reeves (352)

Fresh Perspective

This five-year-old has made a perfect start to his hurdling career, winning by eight lengths at Fontwell on good ground before following up with a six-length victory at Wetherby on soft. He takes his overall record to four wins from five starts and carries a 3lb penalty for his recent success. While this is a step up in grade, he remains open to further progress.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His unbeaten record over hurdles and proven ability to win on different ground conditions are major strengths. The main challenge is conceding weight in this higher grade against other highly progressive, unbeaten rivals who are also looking to take a significant step forward.

Soldier Reeves

Representing last year’s winning yard, this promising sort built on his point-to-point and bumper efforts to win a maiden hurdle at the Cheltenham November meeting on soft ground. He came from off the pace to score, demonstrating a good attitude and a touch of class. He is another promising contender who could take this step up in his stride.

Strengths & Weaknesses: Winning at Cheltenham marks him as a horse of considerable promise, while his stable’s success in this race last year is a notable positive. His relative inexperience, with just one hurdle run, is the main question mark compared to a rival like Fresh Perspective, who has more experience under rules.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	4yo 3-5-25, 5yo 6-7-34, 6yo 1-1-15
FATE OF FAVOURITES	1P31122111
TRAINERS IN THIS RACE	Dan Skelton 1-0-4

While the TimeWise ratings point to a tight contest between Fresh Perspective and Soldier Reeves, the Spotlight analysis places significant weight on proven class at this level.

Spotlight Verdict

A very interesting race with each of the runners either 1-1 or 2-2 over hurdles and open to further progress. However, it will take a very good performance to lower the colours of SOBER GLORY, who sets a clear form standard and is already a winner at Listed level. Shabalko d’Herm is suggested in a tight call for second choice.

— [Steve Boow]

The focus now shifts to a competitive handicap for mares.

2.2 12:43 Betfair Supports Racing With Pride Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

This handicap hurdle for fillies and mares serves as a qualifier for the Challenger Mares’ Hurdle Series Final, ensuring a competitive field. These events are often tightly contested, rewarding mares who are either progressing through the ranks or are well-handicapped on their best form. With several non-runners depleting the field, the race presents a clear opportunity for the remaining contenders.

Based on TimeWise Master Ratings for the confirmed runners, two mares stand out:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated Runner: Crazierthandaisy (347)

• TimeWise Second-Rated Runner: Sunset Marquesa (307)

Crazierthandaisy

This largely progressive mare secured her latest victory at Warwick over 2m5f on good to soft ground. All of her wins have come on sharp, left-handed tracks, which raises a question about her suitability for Sandown’s more demanding circuit. However, on pure form, she holds respectable claims in this contest.

Analyst’s Assessment: Crazierthandaisy arrives with a recent win and a progressive profile, which are significant strengths. Her ability to handle this different type of track is the main concern, as all her form is on courses with a different configuration. If she adapts well, she is a key player.

Sunset Marquesa

A second-season hurdler, Sunset Marquesa made a creditable reappearance at Exeter over 2m2f. She shaped as though a return to this 2m4f trip would be beneficial, and having won on heavy ground last season, she will handle the soft conditions. She may still have more improvement to come.

Analyst’s Assessment: Her proven ability on soft ground is a major positive. The return to what appears to be her optimal trip gives her a strong chance to build on an encouraging seasonal debut. Although lower-rated than Crazierthandaisy, her suitability to the conditions and potential to be ahead of her handicap mark make her a compelling alternative.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	4yo 1-2-7, 5yo 4-4-26, 6yo 4-7-31, 7yo 0-3-14, 8yo 1-3-9
FATE OF FAVOURITES	316P22P233
TRAINERS IN THIS RACE	Dan Skelton 0-1-3, Paul Nicholls 0-1-1

Despite Crazierthandaisy’s superior rating and recent win, the Spotlight analysis opts for a mare with more suitable course and ground credentials.

Spotlight Verdict

The best option in this seriously depleted field may be SUNSET MARQUESA who won on heavy ground last season and made an encouraging reappearance. Looking As You Are is preferred to Dramatic Encore and Crazierthandaisy as the chief danger.

— [Steve Boow]

Next up is a qualifier for the prestigious Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Final.

2.3 1:20 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle

This contest is a highly sought-after qualifier for the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival, a race that crowns the season’s top staying handicapper. For many runners, the primary goal is not to win but to secure a top-four finish to become eligible for the final. The nearly three-mile trip at Sandown provides a stern test of stamina, especially on soft ground, ensuring only true stayers will be involved at the finish.

The TimeWise Master Ratings point to a very close contest at the top:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Ikarak (349)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Kikijo (348)

Ikarak

This seven-year-old has an excellent record for his current stable, with a hurdles strike rate of 5 from 15 overall. He showed a willing attitude to hold on narrowly at Lingfield over 2m7f on his seasonal debut. That performance puts him on a career-high mark, and he now steps back up in grade, which will present a stiffer task.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His impressive win rate and proven stamina are clear strengths required for this stamina test. He arrives race-fit and in winning form. The main weakness is his career-high handicap mark, which demands a new personal best to be competitive in this stronger race.

Kikijo

A progressive five-year-old, Kikijo built on an encouraging reappearance to win a Class 2 handicap over three miles on soft ground at the Cheltenham November meeting. That victory took his overall record to three wins from seven starts. Despite a 7lb rise in the handicap for that success, further progress is plausible.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His recent Cheltenham win is strong form, and as a lightly raced five-year-old, he has significant potential for further improvement. While he has a 7lb penalty to overcome, he appears to be on a steeper upward curve than Ikarak and may be more capable of defying a rise in the weights.

The ratings struggle to separate the top pair, but the Spotlight verdict narrowly favours the younger, more progressive profile.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	5yo 2-2-12, 6yo 2-7-23, 7yo 4-3-19, 8yo 2-3-21, 9yo 0-3-12, 11yo 0-1-4
FATE OF FAVOURITES	0264131411
TRAINERS IN THIS RACE	Paul Nicholls 1-3-7, Tom Lacey 1-0-2, Venetia Williams 1-1-3, Dan Skelton 0-1-5

Spotlight Verdict

The shortlist is headed by KIKIJO (narrowly preferred) and Lavender Hill Mob who both scored at the Cheltenham November meeting and may well show further improvement over hurdles. Absolutely Doyen (third choice) and Turndlightsdownlow are progressing well this term, while a few others also have possibilities in an open contest.

— [Steve Boow]

The action now moves to the highest level with a Grade 1 novice chase.

2.4 1:50 Betfair Henry VIII Novices’ Chase

This prestigious Grade 1 event is a highlight of the early jumps season, serving as a key pointer towards the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival. Run over just under two miles, the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase demands a potent combination of high-cruising speed and flawless, accurate jumping. Past winners have often gone on to become champions, and this year’s renewal features a small but select field of exciting prospects.

The TimeWise Master Ratings give one horse a significant edge:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Lulamba (446)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Alnilam (392)

Lulamba

This talented and promising four-year-old has already achieved Grade 1 success over hurdles, winning at the Punchestown Festival and reversing Triumph Hurdle form with a key rival. He made a seamless transition to chasing with an easy victory at Exeter on his debut over fences, taking his overall record to four wins from five starts. He is considered a leading contender for the Arkle.

Analyst’s Assessment: Lulamba has already proven he belongs at the top table with his Punchestown victory. His effortless chase debut suggests he could be even better over fences, the hallmark of a potential champion. As a four-year-old taking on older rivals, he receives a weight allowance, further strengthening his already formidable claims. His potential appears limitless.

Alnilam

Unbeaten in two starts since being switched to fences, Alnilam has looked better than ever in this sphere. His latest victory came at Cheltenham, where he went clear before the third-last fence and was never in danger. That performance represents a career-best, and with further improvement plausible, he is a worthy opponent.

Analyst’s Assessment: Alnilam’s jumping has been impressive, and his Cheltenham win confirms he is a high-class novice in his own right. His strength is his proven effectiveness and upwardly mobile profile. His main challenge, however, will be bridging the significant class gap to Lulamba, a proven Grade 1 winner who has already achieved what Alnilam aspires to.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	4yo 1-2-7, 5yo 5-1-16, 6yo 3-3-17, 7yo 1-1-9
FATE OF FAVOURITES	2133413121
TRAINERS IN THIS RACE	Dan Skelton 2-2-8, Nicky Henderson 2-0-3

Spotlight Verdict

The sky’s the limit for 4yo LULAMBA who is taken to cement his Arkle claims. It looks tight among the other runners, who are all useful and have taken well to chasing. Lump Sum, whose reappearance form has received a boost, gets the percentage call for second choice.

— [Steve Boow]

Following the Grade 1 excitement, a valuable and competitive handicap hurdle takes centre stage.

2.5 2:25 Bet At Your Best With Betfair Handicap Hurdle

This valuable Class 2 handicap hurdle is always a fiercely competitive affair, attracting a blend of seasoned handicappers and younger, improving horses. The two-mile trip at Sandown is a true test, and course form is often a significant advantage. A strong pace is almost guaranteed, placing the emphasis on both speed and the ability to travel comfortably in a large field.

The TimeWise Master Ratings highlight two leading contenders:

• TimeWise Master Top-Rated: Kateira (372)

• TimeWise Second-Rated: Glynn Brae (348)

Kateira

This useful mare is a dual Listed winner, showcasing her class at both 2m and 2m5f. Her last handicap attempt resulted in a victory at Aintree on soft ground, where she beat a notable rival. Although she is now 9lb higher in the weights, her jockey’s 7lb claim negates much of that rise, and she could go very well.

Strengths & Weaknesses: Kateira’s class, proven by her Listed wins, is a major asset in this competitive handicap. Her effectiveness on soft ground and in handicap company is also a plus. The 9lb rise in the handicap is a challenge, but the 7lb claim makes her very competitive on adjusted weights.

Glynn Brae

With an impressive overall record of five wins from eight starts, Glynn Brae is a horse on the up. He justified favouritism with a neck success over 2m4f at Sandown on his seasonal debut, proving his effectiveness at the course. While he has previously been effective at around two miles, he is a major contender with the potential for further progress.

Strengths & Weaknesses: His excellent strike rate and recent course win are significant positives, demonstrating his suitability for the demands of a Sandown handicap. While he must continue his progression in a deeper race, his profile is more compelling than that of Kateira, who faces a career-high mark.

Race Statistics & Trends

Category	Data
AGE GROUPS	4yo 3-7-28, 5yo 3-6-24, 6yo 1-1-16, 7yo 0-4-13, 8yo 1-1-6, 9yo 2-0-9
FATE OF FAVOURITES	503P43P151
TRAINERS IN THIS RACE	Dan Skelton 1-3-8, Evan Williams 1-0-2, Harry Fry 1-0-3, Paul Nicholls 1-1-10

Though Kateira boasts a class edge and a higher rating, the Spotlight analysis sides with a progressive, in-form horse with proven course credentials.

Spotlight Verdict

Being a last-time course winner who is building up a respectable strike-rate and may well be capable of further progress, GLYNN BRAE (nap) is preferred. Last year’s winner Knickerbockerglory is next on the list.

— [Steve Boow]