Progressive young stayer could take another step forward in competitive handicap

Big Shark
3.00 Sandown
Buy at 11 on index

I’ve been impressed with the progress this lightly raced six-year-old has made in three outings under rules this season and his latest second in a 3m½f handicap hurdle at Haydock in December was a career-best effort. There should be more to come with that under his belt.

Big Shark traded blows with winner Flashjack throughout the last two furlongs and was only outfought by a more experienced, battle-hardened handicapper in the last few strides. He traded at a low of 1.2 in running and pulled seven lengths clear of the remainder, who included the reopposing Coole Cody. He finished second in this last year off 6lb higher.

The selection has gone up 4lb but there should be plenty more to come given he is still unexposed and trainer Philip Hobbs has his string in form. That’s another positive.

2.25 Sandown

Sporting (50:25:10) 23-26 Laurina, 15-18 Good Boy Bobby, 11-14 Itchy Feet, 8-11 Grand Sancy, Midnight Shadow, Vision Des Flos, 2-4 Champagne Platinum.

Match bet 1-2.5 Laurina/Good Boy Bobby.

3.00 Sandown

Sporting (50-30-20-10) 10-13 Ask Ben, 9-12 Ask Dillon, Golan Fortune, 8-11 Bold Plan, Big Shark, Limited Reserve, 5-7 Dan McGrue, Echiquier, Grand Morning, Go Whatever, 4-6 Remastered, 3-5 Agrapart, West To The Bridge, Broughtons Admiral, Captain Tommy, 2-4 Coole Cody, 1-3 Clondaw Cian.

Match bet 0-1.5 Ask Ben/Golan Fortune

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