TAKE a bite out of Bun at Sandown.
Old BUN DORAN (1.15) showed he’s still got plenty of zip when chasing home Gunsight Ridge over this course and distance last month.
This 11-year-old was very smart in his pomp and he had slipped to a very attractive weight before that race last month.
He couldn’t quite hold off his younger rival on the testing ground and today’s quicker surface will help turn this race into more of a speed test.
Tom George’s ace is also likely to get his own way in front and that would give him a great chance. Have 2pts each-way at 8-1.
There’s not many big fields around in Britain this weekend so it’s refreshing that Sandown’s Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle has attracted 19 runners.
DANS LE VENT (2.55) bolted up on his first try over 3m for more than two years at Haydock in November.
He had little chance attempting to come from off the pace over 2m5f in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton three weeks ago.
It was an excellent effort to stay on into fifth in a race dominated by prominently-ridden horses.
This should set up much better for his hold up style.
Have 2pts each-way at 9-1 with several bookies paying out on six places and Sky Bet going seven.
DEISE ABA (3.30) looks a good bet to win the Virgin Bet Masters Chase for a third-straight year.
He simply loves this track and he was only beaten a nose by Highland Hunter in the London National at this track in December.
The Welsh National was always likely to be a bit much for Philip Hobbs’ Sandown specialist and he’ll be much happier back here. Have 2pts to win at 13-2.
There’s four Grade 1 races on a stunning Dublin Racing Festival card at Leopardstown but I’m more interested in the 3m handicap hurdle.
UNEXPECTED DEPTH (2.45) was runner-up in this race 12 months ago and he caught my eye in a similar race over this track and trip over Christmas.
He went so wide round the home turn he was in danger of getting in the way of the ambulance and then found trouble after switching to the inside in the straight.
Have 2pts each-way at 12-1 with sponsors Paddy Power among those paying out on seven places.
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