Thursday’s racing at Sandown brings the excitement and strategy typical of UK horse racing, with significant contests like the Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and the Royal Artillery Gold Cup set to captivate fans and bettors alike.
Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle: Hollygrove Cha Cha’s Potential
The Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, a Grade 2 event, promises to be a thrilling race, especially for trainer Jamie Snowden, who is no stranger to success in this fixture. His contender, Hollygrove Cha Cha, has her eyes set on glory after a commendable second-place finish in her last outing. Having previously triumphed in both her bumpers during the spring, Hollygrove Cha Cha demonstrated impressive stamina thereafter with victories at Ludlow and Fontwell.
The extra distance in this Sandown race is expected to play to her strengths, especially after her spirited performance when stretched too thin over two miles at Taunton. Hollygrove Cha Cha aims to follow in the hoofprints of previous stable stars Anythingforlove and You Wear It Well, hoping this win can secure her a spot in the prestigious Cheltenham Festival.
Challenging her could be Fergal O’Brien’s hopeful, That’ll Do Moss, and notable entries from Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins. Henderson’s Holloway Queen brings a solid record from her prior hurdles races but carries a penalty. Meanwhile, Mullins’ Mummy Derry, although debuting over hurdles, comes with expectations due to her bumper pedigree.
Royal Artillery Gold Cup: Showdown Between the ‘Large’ Horses
The Royal Artillery Gold Cup offers a captivating narrative filled with tradition and rivalry. Jamie Snowden aims for a double victory with Farceur du Large, the defending champion hoping for back-to-back wins under Major Will Kellard. After clinching the Grand Military/Royal Artillery Gold Cup double last year, Farceur du Large seeks redemption following a second-place finish to Fil d’Ariane recently.
Yet, Venetia Williams’ Frenchy du Large may stand in his way. Despite a win drought of over three years, Frenchy du Large has shown flashes of his former self since returning from a lengthy hiatus, including a runner-up spot at Ludlow. A breathing operation post his last outing suggests he is back to near top form, and with a weight advantage over Farceur du Large, he presents as the more favored contender in this duel.
Prospects at Chelmsford: Spotlight on Likealot
In the evening, Chelmsford hosts a nine-race card, where the fillies’ novice race over a mile-and-a-quarter stands out. Among the prospective runners, Ralph Beckett’s Likealot grabs attention with a promising pedigree. Her connections include successful predecessors trained by Beckett, enhancing her potential appeal to astute bettors. With jockey Rossa Ryan aboard, who boasts a high win rate at this track, Likealot might just dance her way to a memorable debut victory.
Complementing Likealot’s challenge are well-bred competitors from Charlie Appleby’s stable, including Pearl of Hope and the Blue Blooded Magical Treasure. The latter, with a stellar middle-distance lineage, could rise to the occasion and surprise onlookers.
As these races unfold with the backdrop of Sandown’s storied grounds, the mix of proven champions and fresh hopefuls ensures heart-racing action for fans of the sport.
