the attheraces Gold Cup at Sandown. At the moment running plans are fluid
and there is also some uncertainty over the weather.
At first glance this looks like a very open renewal, but one horse really
does stand out here. If FIRST GOLD runs to the same form as his Aintree
victory then he will win. His form of two years ago is still officially
rated superior to that of Best Mate, so if he is on that sort of form he
should win. If the handicapper had been able to take into account his last
run before framing the weights for this race he would have 17lbs more to
carry. He clearly has an excellent chance on the book.
Our old friend STORMEZ also looks likely to run. He has run well on his last
two races being pipped in the shadow of the post on both occasions. It was
probably our hard earned cash which told on him at the finish.He is due a
change of fortune soon, hopefully, however, it won¹t be on Saturday.
The three other races on TV from Sandown on Saturday are all interesting
affairs.
The 1.40 sees Deano¹s Beano in the field. He needs a lot of driving but
McCoy gets the best out of him. He should win. The 2.15 is a 2 mile chase
for which many of England¹s top two milers have been entered. I think this
should be won by Cenkos who has not enjoyed much good fortune this year,
most recently when over watering of Aintree ruined his chance. If the ground
stays fast he should give a good account.
The final TV race is a Group 2 Mile event for 4 year olds and upwards. If
the field holds up this could be a race to savour. Dandoun, Desert Deer and
Reel Buddy will all have their supporters but look for the dark imposing
figure of TILLERMAN coming late to swamp them all. However, he needs the
ground to remain on the fast side.
Best wishes
The Sheikh.