Megan Nicholls Racing Tips – Sandown & Aintree
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Sandown 1.50 – Henry VIII Novices' Chase
We’re going to stay with the short priced favourite, here.
L'Eau du Sud (evs fav) is the right favourite. He’s been very impressive over fences so far. He’s versatile in terms of tactics but he has jumped well and he’s a strong traveller. He’s taken well to the bigger fences.
We know Rubaud (11/2) is a very talented hurdler but it’s a big ask on chasing debut. Down Memory Lane (5/2 2nd fav) made all in his chasing debut at Navan last time out, so it is hard to rule any of them out. You can make a case for all of them.
Soul Icon (25/1) likes to go forward, so there’s plenty of pace on. L’Eau du Sud is likely to sit in and that could just be the ideal pitch for Harry Skelton, who should play his hand pretty late.
Megan’s Tip: L’eau du Sud WIN
Aintree 2.07 – Becher Chase
Gaboriot (4/1) for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero can reverse the form with King Turgeon (7/2 fav). He’s up in trip and the weights favour him - King Turgeon went up 8lbs for winning the Grand Sefton last time, while Gaboriot only went up 1lb.
I think over further, Gaboriot could just have the upper hand here. Both horses are effective around the big fences, both had a good experience last time.
They could both can run well again but with the extra distance, the result could swing the other way, this time around.
Megan’s Tip: Gaboriot WIN
Sandown 2.25 – Handicap Hurdle
At a huge each-way price, I wonder if Spirit D'aunou (14/1) is worth a look. He fell at Ascot on the turn. It was too far out to know how he was going. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go well. He’s a winner at Sandown twice before. He didn’t finish his season last year in the best form but I don’t think he is to be totally dismissed this season.
Megan’s Tip: Spirit D'aunou EW
Sandown 3.00 – Tingle Creek Chase
I still think Jonbon (8/15 fav) is beatable.
He obviously won on his return in the Shloer Chase ahead of Edwardstone (7/1) and Boothill (14/1). I thought he made hard enough work of it late on.
Boothill is probably not the most reliable, despite having ability. Jonbon is very good around Sandown - he’s unbeaten here. That’s what makes him a short-priced favourite.
Of those at the bigger prices I’d be looking at JPR One (12/1). The team has decided to take a bit of a risk and step him up in grade. He was good at Exeter on his return in the BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup and I think he will have stepped forward a good bit from that.
He has always been held in very high regard by Joe Tizzard and although he wasn’t at his best in the Henry VIII at this course and distance last season, he’s always a horse that is trying to get to the top level once again. So I would say JPR One is possibly the improver in the field.
I’m looking forward to seeing what can take on Jonbon later in the season - hopefully there is a big clash in the BetMGM Clarence House in just over a month’s time.
Megan’s Tip: JPR One EW
Sandown 3.35 – London National Handicap Chase
I like Broken Halo (11/2) here.
He was running a very big race in this race 12 months ago when unfortunately coming down just two out.
Logan Williams was convinced he was on the winner and he just took a tumble. He’s had a wind operation since we last saw him and he goes well at Sandown. This is just set up for him nicely.
Harry Cobden will just be patient on him and creep into the race.
Megan’s Tip: Broken Halo EW
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation