I am back to cover the Lucky 15 once again, albeit at short enough notice, which effectively means I haven't been able to scrutinise things as thoroughly as you'd like before sharing, but with Cheltenham around the corner, I'm sure today won't be costing us too much.
There does look to be some cracking action all over the board. My selections are what I would call safe on paper, with most having strong place claims according to all known form – I'm personally sticking with the each way angle given the competitiveness of things.
Attacanter Racing Tips
Bo Zenith 13/2 five places – 14.25 Sandown
Sandown's Imperial Cup is a race that takes some deciphering. Most of the top names in the National Hunt scene are represented and typically, an honest case can be made for most. Despite a slight drift in the market, once again it's Nicky Henderson who I've instilled my trust in. I am not entirely sure how many times he's contested this valuable handicap but he's only won it once, back in 2009, so the fact Bo Zenith turns up for this with two festival entries less than a week away is reassuring enough.
I had a niggling doubt he'd be saved for Cheltenham given how well he ran there back in December off an eight-month lay off, his stable debut having been with Gary Moore. He was out the back that day and came through comfortably enough, suggesting the festival races, over further may be more suited, however, he didn't show much over 2m3f when 5th at Ascot back in January, the last time he was seen. Coincidentally enough, Henderson's only winner of this race had an identical prep race at Ascot, he then still went to Cheltenham albeit without featuring, we'll hope it is more of the same here.
Wreckless Eric was involved in the Cheltenham race, he was almost the value pick given the same connections did place in this race previously and he'll have no doubt been targeted at it, the trainer is quoted as saying the better ground will help after a break. With an honest run I'd argue Bo Zenith has his number and the dangers lie elsewhere in terms of the win, but he could fill a place at a bigger price. The last Henderson runner I tipped around 3/1 went off and won at 17/2, but I suspect the market will be a more accurate guide this time around.
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Final Voyage 13/2 four places – 14.45 Wolverhampton
On the surface of it, the opener at Wolves is for me, what you love to see from a gambling perspective, a highly competitive affair with generously priced runners and an extra place, you can tell it's a Saturday as some noteworthy names are on show and although not everyone's cup of tea, I suspect this should be fascinating viewing over the extended mile.
Top jock, Rossa Ryan pairs up with long time employer Clive Cox, returning with last years winner Kingdom Come, given what's been said on this bet regarding horses placing, it looks quite a safe selection, they beat my selection, Irish raider Final Voyage by a head last year, we get 1lb and the assistance of Billy Loughnane this time who takes over from Willy Buick. The yard have been in good nick and given the horse comes here on similar terms, after a recent 2nd, showing he is in some kind of form, a place looks well within his capabilities and a big run is expected.
Kingdom Come is a little uneasy in the market, with a previous selection of mine Whip Cracker heading the market at time of writing, he represents a top AW combination from a decent draw. Something which could have been kinder to my selection given an inside draw is optimal according to the figures, having said that, however being drawn widest is somewhat of an outlier and may not be overly obstructive if we are able to execute the race plan, Billy is a talented rider and he'll give the horse every chance.
Belliano 9/2 five places – 13.50 Sandown
The Novices Hurdle Finale looks to be a cracker, it'd have been easy to chance Peso at a nice price with so many places paid, he has form with The Kemble Brewery who in turn has form wit the current market leader, Meetmebythesea, trained by Ben Pauling, a very likeable trainer who happened to win this race last year.
Given the look of the race card, and what the market principals have done to date, it isn't overly wise taking them on voluntarily and given a ‘full-house' of places gives us a much better return, I am not going to be thinking too far out of the box here. I was half tempted to stay with the JP McManus owned market leader but Paul Nicholls has a decent record in this over the years and sends an expensive purchase who has only been beaten by one horse in his three runs to date, that horse remains undefeated and Belliano just about gets the nod.
George's Lad is seeing some support, a horse Cobden rode the last three times, culminating in a win, it's very unlikely he steps off just because his retained yard have a runner, for me it's a positive and despite a nice one to beat, I am at least expectant of a valiant effort which at least will result in a place. The win over further at Ascot is a nod to his stamina, whilst the sire has plenty of 3 milers.
Master Builder 5/1 five places – 16.35 Ayr
Nick Alexander is one of the most respected Scottish trainer's, he ended 2024 operating at 12% which is slightly better than his previous 90 days but his numbers do increase at Ayr, second only to Lucinda Russell in terms of wins, operating at around 18%. He had two winners on this card last year and two again yesterday, this isn't one that overly jumps of the page with enough to take on trust but he is entitled to kick on from his previous run when 3rd back in February, here over half a mile shorter.
Over the previous two and a half years, the 0-9 record between trainer and jockey isn't ideal, Henry Brooke isn't a regular of his but has been on this horse before and likely has ties to the famous owners. Almost a year to the day, horse and jockey contested a race at Ayr over 2m4f, finishing 5 lengths behind in 2nd.
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