GB - Sandown Park - Race 5

Thoroughbred

9 Runners

24.2f

Handicap Chase

Turf

Good to Soft (Good in places)

24.0K

VIEW

Verdict

There shouldn't be much between HIDDEN HISTORY and Champagne Twist, with the latter meeting Dan Skelton's charge on 2 lb better terms compared to when third to that rival (beaten two lengths) at Aintree where they were both making their chase debuts. Champagne Twist's finest hour over hurdles came at this course and he is greatly respected, but Hidden History is proving most progressive for this yard and he is taken to strike again. Kelce and chase debutant Tommy The Tank are others with claims.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
4	Point winner who justified support to make a winning debut for the Skeltons in a strong Uttoxeter handicap hurdle in March. Perfect start to chase career when accounting for 5 rivals (including the re-opposing Champagne Twist) at Aintree last month and there should be better to come from this 7-y-o. 1st Pick 4 Hidden History Jockey: Harry Skelton Trainer: Dan Skelton J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	100	-	-	-	29%	5/2
Analysis Point winner who justified support to make a winning debut for the Skeltons in a strong Uttoxeter handicap hurdle in March. Perfect start to chase career when accounting for 5 rivals (including the re-opposing Champagne Twist) at Aintree last month and there should be better to come from this 7-y-o.
3	Irish point winner who bagged a Grade 3 novices' handicap hurdle here in March 2024. Last season didn't go to plan (unseated rider on return then well below par next 2 starts), but back on track when 2 lengths third to Hidden History (now 2 lb worse off) on return/chase debut at Aintree (25f, good). 2nd Pick 3 Champagne Twist (Ire) Jockey: Ben Jones Trainer: Ben Pauling J: Ben Jones T: Ben Pauling	99	-	-	-	25%	3/1
Analysis Irish point winner who bagged a Grade 3 novices' handicap hurdle here in March 2024. Last season didn't go to plan (unseated rider on return then well below par next 2 starts), but back on track when 2 lengths third to Hidden History (now 2 lb worse off) on return/chase debut at Aintree (25f, good).
9	Much improved switched to fences with cheekpieces applied last season, winning at Market Rasen and Wetherby. Positive start to this season when fourth of 18 on return at Cheltenham (25f, good) and, though not so good over the same C&D next time, he will be dangerous if allowed a soft lead here. 3rd Pick 9 Kelce (Ire) Jockey: Conor O'farrell Trainer: Neil Mulholland J: Conor O'farrell T: Neil Mulholland	99	-	-	-	7%	15/1
Analysis Much improved switched to fences with cheekpieces applied last season, winning at Market Rasen and Wetherby. Positive start to this season when fourth of 18 on return at Cheltenham (25f, good) and, though not so good over the same C&D next time, he will be dangerous if allowed a soft lead here.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Maiden Race

A race exclusively for horses who have not previously won.

Bute

Shortened word for phenylbutazone, the common non-steroidal medication legal at most racetrack.

Mare

A female horse of five years or more.