Barry Geraghty
Barry Geraghty’s William Hill blog: Step into Unknown at Sandown
William Hill ambassador Barry Geraghty previews this weekend’s racing from Sandown and Naas.
Sandown, Saturday
UNKNOWN ENTITY looks interesting stepping up in trip in the EBF Final (1:50pm). He was a good second last time out at Wincanton over two miles and on that evidence it looked like he would relish this extra half mile. The Skelton team are experts at targeting handicaps like this, and he could be well-treated here off a low weight.
BRACE FOR LANDING is first reserve in the Imperial Cup (2:27pm), meaning he needs one horse to be withdrawn in order to get a run, but if he does, then he would be the selection. He wasn’t beaten far in a competitive handicap over the course and distance last time out. Finishing a couple of lengths behind Hot Fuss is good form, with that horse going on to win a valuable handicap at Windsor on his next start. In a race where some of the older horses have to step up on their recent form, I thought Brace For Landing brings real potential.
Gavin Cromwell’s LENNON GROVE beat Millstatt Abbey when they met in a point-to-point in April last year but is a bigger price in the mares’ Listed bumper (3:00pm). She has plenty of experience, with three runs in bumpers already and got her head in front last time at Thurles, beating a horse of Joseph O’Brien’s. Harry Cobden is an interesting jockey booking and I thought she might offer a bit of value here.
In the three-mile handicap chase (3:35pm), CALIMYSTIC would be my pick. He was a winner on his reappearance and chase debut at Newbury, having disappointed at Ayr on his final start last season. He’s only had five starts, so is unexposed and there could be more to come from him over fences. The drying ground should suit him too.
Naas, Sunday
In the Grade 3 Kingfurze Novice Hurdle (2:30pm), BLAKE looks to hold the edge on ratings. He finished eight lengths behind Talk The Talk in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown when last seen, which is obviously very strong form. Before that he was just touched off by Koktail Brut in the Grade 2 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, which again makes him a standout in this company. Dropping back in grade here, he should find life easier, and a reproduction of either of his last two runs should make him the one to beat.
GORAIBHMAITHAGAT might be the one in the Leinster National (4:02pm). Last time out he did well to win at Naas over two-and-a-half miles. He was slow at the second last fence, which cost him momentum, so it was a good effort to get back up to win. Considering the work he had to do after that mistake, I don’t think he looks over penalised going up seven pounds. The step up in trip should suit him, and his jumping is the only concern.
