N.H. racing at Sandown and Fakenham

Sandown´s card this afternoon is headed by the traditional Royal Artillery Gold Cup for amateur riders (members of the armed forces) over 3 miles at 16.20 CET. Tom George´s Kilcrea Asia should win this; he is the best horse in the field and will be ridden by one of the most experienced jockeys - Capt. Tim Edwards, who won the race last year.

The German-bred Fin Vin de Leu (Charlie Mann/ Daryl Jacob) ran a good race on his hurdles debut at Plumpton and has a good chance in the opening 4yo hurdle at 15.15. However this is quite an open race, with Drumshambo (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) having won stylishly on his debut, while among the newcomers Souter Point (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) is apparently well regarded. However the latter runs, his team- who have suffered some reverses this week- should certainly win the novice hurdle at 16.55 with the highly promising and unbeaten Oscar Whisky.

If Fakenham goes ahead, Henderson could be among the winners there as well. Both Bonikos in the beginners chase at 15.35 and the Queen´s Pipe Banner in the novice hurdle at 16.10 are likely to start favourite and both of them could score with Andrew Tinkler in the saddle.