Paul Kealy's play of the day at Sandown

Third Time Lucki
1.45 Sandown

Despite being a notorious short-runner, Third Time Lucki is the bet as he has been given a right chance by the handicapper on his second start following a wind op after being dropped 10lb for three runs this season in races he couldn't possibly win.

He was never going to stay nearly 2m2f in the Haldon Gold Cup, or 2m1f at Ascot, after which he travelled as well as ever on ground he hates when third to Haddex Des Obeaux at Warwick following a short break and wind surgery.

He was beaten 19 lengths in the end there, but was clear second-best until predictably getting knackered in the straight, and it's worth remembering he was conceding 9lb to the possibly Arkle-bound winner and 25lb to the runner-up, who has come out and won since.

All three of his chase wins last season came on good ground, and he was made favourite to beat Edwardstone in a Grade 1 at this track after the first two (surprisingly made the running and went too quick) of them.

With drying ground in his favour, a trip 121 yards short of 2m and some prominent racers to drag him along (including stablemate Eclair D'Ainay, who is shorter in the betting but a proper mudlark), it is surely now or never for Third Time Lucki, who granted a clear round is surely going to look like the winner at some point even if he doesn't get up the hill.

Third Time Lucki18:15 Sandown

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