Saturday, April 29, 2023

Jump final in Sandown

Sandown, Saturday 29 April: After Friday`s flat event was cancelled due to adverse track conditions, nothing stands in the way of today`s `Jump` final.

In the main event, the Celebration Chase (2nd race/14.40pm/200,000 pounds/3126m), the Paul Nicholls-trained Greaneteen (Harry Cobden) could make history as the nine-year-old would draw level with Altior, who had won the fixture in the previous three years, with another success.

The stallion, who recently finished third in the Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grupep 1), has Jonbon (Aidan Coleman) from Nicky Hendersdon`s quarters, who has won nine times in eleven starts, to beat. He won a Group 1 Novice Chase at Aintree a fortnight ago and before that finished second in the Arkle Challenge Trophy (Group 1). Editeur Du Gite (Niall Houlihan) ran a strong game at Cheltenham not far behind Greaneteen. The Moore protégé also impressed in the Clarence House Chase (Group 1) ahead of Energumene, who showed up at Punchestown five days ago. Captain Guinness (Rachael Blackmore) was still 14 lengths better than Greaneteen in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Funambule Sivola (Charlie Deutsch) will struggle in today`s company.