only 4 runners in Tolworth Hurdle

there has been heavy rain in many parts of the U.K. and the going will be much softer than originally expected at today´s meetings, including Sandown, where it will probably be heavy by the time racing starts at 13.10 CET.

Main event is the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle for novices at 15.25, but unfortunately this race has cut up badly and only 4 go to post, one of whom has no chance whatever but will be collecting at least 2000 GBP if he jumps round safely. The other 3 are all smart enough, especially ex-French L´ami Serge (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) who has won both his U.K. starts in impressive style. Jolly´s Cracked It (Harry Fry/ Noel Fehily) was won both his hurdles starts and represents a team in red-hot form, while Shelford (Dan and Harry Skelton) is up in grade after showing excellent handicap form but looks well worth a try in this company. L´ami Serge is top-rated and could certainly win this, but is not a good bet at the likely odds.

The listed mares hurdle at 13.40 should lie between Aurore d´Estriuval (John Quinn/ Tony McCoy) and Mischievous Millie (Oliver Sherwood/ Leighton Aspell), who both have a good record in races of this nature. The latter has not run for almost a year but receives 8 lbs from her main opponent, and it could be close.

Obviously the handicaps are more interesting frfom the betting point of view and the 2 mile chase at 14.50 has a strong, though small field. McCoy is rarely seen on Paul Nicholls´ runners, but Mr. Mole is owned by nis boss, JP McManus, and could start favourite; he has won 3 of his 6 chases and is clearly talented, but his jumping is still a bit dodgy and Sandown is an unforgiving track, so we prefer Brick Red (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), runner-up to him last time and slightly better off, and Williams´s Wishes (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney), who likes Sandown and was far from disgraced when 6th in the Tingle Creek over this CD last time.

They say one should never forget a horse´s best form, and we have not forgotten the way that First Avenue (Laura Mongan/ Tom Cannon) won the Imperial Cup over this CD on heavy ground two years ago; his form since then has been a bit in and out, but he could run well at a big price at 16.00, while we are told to keep an eye on What´s Happening (Tom George/ Paddy Brennan) in the 3 mile handicap chase at 16.35.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Arabian Revolution - Classical Art - Norse Light
2. Race: Aurore d`Estruval - Mischievous Milly - Run Ructions Run
3. Race: My Oh Mount Brown - Until Winning - Madness Light
4. Race: Mr Mole - William`S Wishes - Dance Floor King
5. Race: Jolly`s Cracked It - Shelford - Thelordbewithyou
6. Race: Bouvreuil - Amore Alato - Tanerko Emery
7. Race: Unioniste - Relax - Bertie Boru