The big race coming from Sandown this afternoon is the Bet365 Mile, which is a Group 2, held over a distance of a mile, as the name suggests.
There are eight runners set to go to post for this one and the current favourite is Shifting Power, who can be backed at 11/4 for Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes.
He was a bit of a disappointment when last seen at Goodwood in August a the horse was back in fifth when well fancied, but he did put in some big performances last season.
The four-year-old was fourth in the Guineas and managed to finish five lengths behind Kingman in Ireland on testing ground.
He’s also won three of his seven races and does go well fresh, so could be tough to beat in this Group 2. Hannon’s runners have been needing the run this season as a general rule this campaign, so that could be a concern.
You then have Bow Creek at 4/1 for Charlie Appleby and William Buick.
This horse was extremely consistent last season, and finished strongly with two wins at Goodwood and then at Leopardstown ahead of some decent horses.
That form does look to be strong and you’d expect this horse to be involved on his first run for his new yard.
Custom Cut is then available at 4/1 as well and this horse was one of the most progressive of last season, winning give races on the spin and only really putting in a below average run on testing ground on Champions Day.
David O’Meara has done a really good job with this six-year-old and although life is of course tougher now, he deserves his place here and should put in a good performance.
Here Comes When finished last season with two wins and 5/1 could be a good price about him, whereas Breton Rock is at 11/2 for the David Simcock yard and also can’t be ruled out.
Master Carpenter is at 14/1 and despite being that big price, he’s a course and distance winner with Ryan Moore on board, so is likely to be backed by a few.
Another 14/1 shot is Top Notch Tonto, who really returned to form when an excellent second at the end of last season and Brian Ellison could have this horse ready for this race.
He’s got talent, but was a bit frustrating last season and looks to be a big price.
Baltic Knight completes the field at 16/1.
Bow Creek is probably the best bet in terms of backing to win, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see Top Notch Tonto run a big one and 14/1 is an appealing price.
