17/02/17 Straight From The Trainers Mouth

Nigel Twiston Davies

4.15 Sandown Cogry 13/2

Cogry returns to fences after a couple of hurdle outings saw him win gamely at Cheltenham then pulled up at Warwick. From top weight and a mark of 134 here, two pounds lower than his last winning chase of two years ago, he will be suited by today's trip and should be there or thereabouts with solid each way prospects. Willy Twiston-Davies aboard.

★★★☆☆

4.45 Sandown Wicked Willy 100/30

Wicked Willy is raised 5lbs following two wins from 113 but looks to be on an upward curve and has a good chance to defy the rise. He has won over trip and ground, so with conditions to suit a good run is expected again. Jamie Bargary aboard, claiming 3lbs.

★★★★☆

David Pipe

1.40 Sandown Bella 14/1

She is still high enough in the weights but should run her usual honest race.

★★☆☆☆

3.15 Sandown Rathlin Rose 5/2

Rathlin Rose contests the Royal Artillery Gold Cup at 3.15pm and he is partnered by the amazing Captain Guy Disney who claims 7lbs off his back.  Guy, who lost his right leg beneath the knee in Afghanistan in 2009 is more than capable in the saddle.  Rathlin Rose was an encouraging fourth on his first start back from an absence in a competitive handicap at Newbury last time and looks to hold solid claims this afternoon.

★★★★☆

Malcom Jefferson

2.40 Sandown Kelka 11/1

he needed her last run at Sedgefield having had a break to allow a cut to heal and she has come on a lot for that run. She usually jumps and travels well so, although a little behind the top two on ratings, we hope she can put in a big performance.

★★★★☆

Mark Usher

5.45 Wolverhampton Misu Pete 8/1

Misu Pete has not quite been as competitive as his form and work would suggest over the last three months or so the Handicapper continues to give him a chance and he will be well ridden by Lulu Stanford who is one of his regular riders; he has yet another draw handy for the Tennis Courts and Cycling Track but if he can just get a little luck in running as they turn in he should run well.

★★★☆☆

6.45 Wolverhampton Marshall Aid 4/1

Marshall Aid has proved slightly inconsistent over the Winter and we have put some cheekpieces on to help him in the final third of the race; a repetition of the best of his three runs, including at Dunstall Park last July and September will see him go close; and he remains a future NH horse with potential.

★★★★☆

Robert Buckler

4.15 Sandown Regal Flow 10/1

James Best, who will be riding him at Sandown, came and rode him out last week and was happy with the way that he worked, We put cheek pieces on him when we schooled him this morning and it seemed to sharpen him up a bit so we hope it will work for us tomorrow.

★★★☆☆