Nigel Twiston-Davies’ William Hill Blog: Hoping for some High chances at Sandown, Hereford and Warwick

We might be gearing up for a busy week at Cheltenham, but I’m hoping to squeeze in a winner or two before then! There’s no calm before the storm for us, with seven runners over the course of this weekend to look forward to.

Saturday, Sandown

High Treason and Tedley start off the weekend in the same race; the 2m4f novices’ handicap hurdle (1.50pm). Tedley ran well last time at Wincanton to win, but he was very green, ears pricked the whole time, and might have won by further if he hadn’t been looking around so much. He’s actually a very nice horse, but he’s learning on the job. High Treason is another very nice horse, who also won his last start at Fontwell, but is at the same stage of career in that he has a lot still to learn. This is going to be a very difficult race to predict, but I think – at this stage – High Treason may have the upper hand in terms of greenness. Tedley, though, may grow up here. He’s for sale, so keep an eye out for him!

Saturday, Hereford

Next up on Saturday is Fantamos in the 3m1½f handicap hurdle (2.17pm). He ran very well last time, only narrowly beaten at Southwell. He could be favourite here, but we will probably have Ginderella to beat. I am quite excited about this race, though!

Last on Saturday is Portobello Girl in the mares’ bumper (5.12pm). She was fourth in her first ever run at Wincanton, and will definitely improve for that here. Jena d’Oudairies looks to be quite difficult to beat, but I could definitely see this mare finishing second if she doesn’t win.

Sunday, Warwick

Equinus starts things off at Warwick in the 3m2f handicap hurdle (4.45pm). He’s another exciting one, who was third last time, but the trip and softer conditions should help him get back in front here. Clondaw Royale could be a bit of a problem, by the looks of it, but our horse is okay! He wears cheekpieces here for the first time, which – I hope – will aid his chances of getting back to winning ways.

In the bumper, we have Lennie Godber and Chief Sunday (5.15pm). Lennie Godber is a half-brother to some very good horses in Super Six and Norman Fletcher, both trained by me, and – while we like a lot at home – he is very green. Chief Sunday is definitely the sharper of the two in that respect, but both should run well and either could be winning this.