Paul Kealy's play of the day at Sandown

Insurrection

1.50 Sandown

Willie Mullins v Dan Skelton for the British trainers' title is the big story for many at Sandown's big jumps-season finale, but for everyday punters it's winners that count and, let's face it, we couldn't care less who wins what as long as we are on.

Paul Nicholls rarely leaves this meeting without a winner, and my idea of the best value on the card is his Insurrection in the bet365 Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase (1.50).

Skelton gets a free crack at a near £21,000 pot here as Mullins doesn't have a runner, and his Riskintheground is a worthy favourite if he's recovered well enough from bagging just under £40,000 at Cheltenham ten days ago.

He jumps and travels strongly, and is only 2lb higher than last time, so has to be feared, but I thought Insurrection ran a fine race in the novice handicap chase won by stablemate Caldwell Potter at the Cheltenham Festival and he could be the answer dropping back into slightly calmer waters.

Insurrection had travelled and jumped well for a long way, but made his first notable mistake four out and then took a bump after the third-last, so it was a fair effort to finish eighth.

That is obviously the strongest novice handicap run all year, and the form is already looking superb, with the winner taking a Grade 1 at Aintree, the sixth running second in another one at Fairyhouse on Sunday and the seventh winning a decent handicap at Ayr's Scottish National meeting.

Insurrection13:50 Sandown

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Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Paul Nicholls

Racing Post+ subscribers can read more of Paul Kealy's tipping here:

'He's a big price' - Paul Kealy's best bets on Saturday include a bet365 Gold Cup outsider 

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