Timeform give their expert tips on the 3.10 Sandown on Saturday 7th January which features on the same card as the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle.
While the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle is the day's highlight in terms of prestige, the three-mile handicap on the same Sandown card looks very competitive and should prove informative as the season progresses.
Neptune Collonges' powers looked on the wane in recent times, but recent Ascot fourth showed there was still fire in his belly. Dropped another 2 lb and not out of this by any means.
Master of The Hall seemed to take form to a new level when comprehensively landing a 25f listed chase at Aintree on recent reappearance. Well treated if taking that at face value back in a handicap.
Wymott looked a young chaser to follow when winning 3 times last season, but things not gone to plan since, running a wretched race at Haydock most recently, and lots to prove after that.
Exmoor Ranger was back to his best when making winning return in Grade 3 handicap at Ascot in October despite trademark mistakes. Back up in weights, however, and often found this sort of mark against him last term.
The Panama Kid has showed marked improvement this term, completing hat-trick at Kelso in November. Good third in novice there last time but more required in a competitive handicap such as this.
The Knoxs got his act together over fences last season for Howard Johnson and made winning start for new yard in Exeter handicap hurdle. Well held in Relkeel hurdle last time but respected back over fences now.
Be There in Five took a while to click over fences but put in improved round of jumping to get off the mark at Kempton in March. Good run in 4-miler at the Festival but not seen since flopping in Scottish National.
Qhilimar has been an improved performer since joining Charlie Longsdon, winning 2 of first 3 starts before finishing good second at Carlisle. Stiff task in Hennessy but got no further than the fourth last time.
Any Currency is a thorough stayer who hasn't seen much action in recent times, failing to build on solid return at Chepstow last time. Visor now replaces cheekpieces.
Hold On Julio was a revelation when winning 3 times in points in 2011. Translated that over fences, wide-margin winner of a Kelso hunter in April before bolting up over this C&D on debut for this yard in November.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Hold On Julio
2. Master of The Hall
3. Neptune Collonges
Timeform View: A competitive event made up of a mixture of seasoned campaigners and progressive sorts. Hold On Julio falls firmly into the latter catergory and is fancied to extend his winning run despite racing from just out of the weights such was the impression he made on his debut for this yard here last time. Master of The Hall and The Knoxs head the dangers.
