Sandown Friday Finale Poser.

Over the Sandown 10F course in handicaps a low draw in a fast ran race on good going is essential. This was the commentary on last years winner of the 10f handicap on Derby Trial day.

Towards rear on inner, short of room and slightly hampered under 3f out, soon switched left, ridden and headway over 1f out, led inside final 110yds, kept on well (tchd 9/2)

The last 7 winners have been drawn 4 or lower and 6 of the last 11 have won following a win or 2nd place finish already during that turf season.

Jim Boyle sends his fast improving 3yo Many Men to contest this years race due off at 4.45. It is significant that Jack Doughty who has ridden the horse to its two previous victory’s was originally jocked up but is replaced by his go to senior jockey Pat Cosgrave. Jack is very good but i think the switch occurred when the horse was drawn in stall 1 as the jockey will need experience to delay his challenge on the inner behind a wall of horses, some of which due to the almost guaranteed fast pace will be tiring on top of him.

It is a race sometimes targeted by the big yards Gosden and Appleby have won it previously, but neither has an entry this year. As always with 3yo handicaps at this time of year there could be a number of unexposed dark horses lurking in the weights.

However Many Men’s win at Doncaster landed a hefty gamble, and given the draw and the strong pace which will be ideal he will take some beating.The 6lb rise from that last win looks well within his capabilities.

However, Oisin Murphy has at first glance apparently got off Urban Glimpse to ride the potential big improver in the field Gunship for James Ferguson. That isn’t the case as the horse is part owned by Qatar Racing who have first claim on the champion jockey. The 3yo has good form when second at Southwell over 1m and when beating a decent Haggas horse in Merchant on debut. He should improve upped to 10f and has been the subject of a significant gamble in the early markets.

Significantly James Ferguson is 2 from 4 in handicaps at Sandown.

The front two in the betting are both well drawn – both hit the requirements of the trends – the potential of Gunship against the proven form of Many Men, poses a dilemma, as both would be bets if not opposing each other in this class 4 event.

I will update subscribers on a possible bet once the morning markets have settled down

“if i can get 4/1 Many Men 1/4 odds 1,2,3 i will put up a 1pt ew Bet”.