14:40 Sandown
Roadie Joe has won all four of his races to date, three of them being over hurdles, but a mark of 141 will really test him today. His win last time out at Chepstow was by a short head from a mark of 130, so it will take a lot of improvement for him to go in again. As this is only his fifth start it is fair to assume some improvement will be there, whether or not there is enough to take this race I'm not so sure.
Tjongejonge had his first race for over a year at Cheltenham a few weeks ago and was pulled up before three out after leading early on. He is sure to come on for that race but from what he has shown so far, he's not good enough to win a race of this class.
Dan Skelton's horses have been running really well and Captain Chaos looks a nice sort. He won his bumper by a wide margin before keeping on nicely in his first hurdles race at Uttoxeter in November. This is a very steep jump up in class but there he is capable of any amount of improvement and I think he could be good enough to take a place.
Clondaw Cian won his maiden hurdle in really impressive fashion coming home by nine lengths with O'Brien never really being off the bridle. Again this is a big step up in class but he is another one that looks to have plenty of potential.
Francis of Assisi for Aidan Coleman came fourth in a really hot hurdles race at Wincanton last time out which was won by Irving. Prior to that he had won three races on the spin which earned him a rating of 144. A gelding by Danehill Dancer he is trying the extra three furlongs for the first time today and I think the way he has shaped in his races so far that it could help to bring out the best in him.
Today's Selection
Sandown 14:40 - Francis of Assisi - 1 point @ 11/4 (Most firms)