Expert analysis and trainer quotes ahead of a red-hot Sandown handicap

3.00 Sandown
Betway Heroes Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)| 2m7½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Tipster analysis

Several leading firms can’t split the market leaders in this 17-runner handicap and it is as open as the betting suggests with established performers taking on potential improvers.

Big Shark comes into the improver category having had just three runs under rules and he has progressed with each start. A winner of his first two at Worcester and Hereford, the Philip Hobbs-trained six-year-old recorded a career best when second behind Flashjack on his handicap debut at Haydock when he had the reopposing Coole Cody behind in fourth.

There should be more to come from Big Shark and Hobbs has his string in fantastic form, having saddled five winners from 23 runners in the last fortnight.

Coole Cody finished second behind Lord Napier in this race last year and is dangerously well handicapped having dropped to a 6lb lower mark. Trainer Michael Blake fits first-time cheekpieces in a bid to spark his runner back to form, but he has something to find with Big Shark on that latest Haydock form. The return to this track will need to have a positive effect.

Agrapart comes into the category of those who are more exposed, but he drops from Grade 1 company into a handicap having finished last of five in the Marsh Hurdle at Ascot last time.

Chester Williams is excellent value for his 5lb claim and his father Nick adds a tongue-strap. Testing ground holds no fears and he rates an interesting outsider at the top of the weights.

Echiquier was fortunate to finish third in the Lanzarote last time after some carnage at the last but he stayed on powerfully on the run-in over 2m5f and it will be interesting to see if he can up his game over 2m7½f. He was a winner over the trip at Hexham in October and appeared to stay 3m½f when sixth at Haydock the following month, so this test will be more suitable.
Graeme Rodway

What the stats say

This Grade 3 has been won by six-year-olds on three occasions during the past ten years with the last two winners – Lord Napier and Topofthegame – that age.

Paul Nicholls and Philip Hobbs have won this twice during the past decade (the race was abandoned on three consecutive occasions between 2012-2014) and they are represented by Dan McGrue and Big Shark.

What the connections say

Evan Williams, trainer of Bold Plan
He won well at Haydock but unfortunately went upside down at an early stage on his next run at Ascot. He seems none the worse for the incident, but he's taking a big step up in distance. However, I won't be surprised if it suited him.

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Ask Dillon
He ran well when third at Chepstow in December and has improved for that outing. The soft and tacky ground should not be a bother and he has his chance.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Big Shark
Given that he stays well and copes with heavy ground, which is likely to be the order of the day, he must have a good each-way chance.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Dan McGrue
Perhaps the Newbury race came a bit quick for him last time and he's had a good break since. He wants testing ground and the race should suit.

David Pipe, trainer of Remastered
He's had a wind operation since his last run and I hope it's had the desired effect. He should love the ground and his second to Potters Corner last time now reads well as that one went on to win the Welsh Grand National.

Harry Whittington, trainer of Captain Tommy
He ran well at Huntingdon last week and that was a step in the right direction for him. Hopefully a good test like this will suit him

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Echiquier
He's been running well and it was another decent effort when he was third in the Lanzarote at Kempton last time. He's a nice horse and I think he'll run really well again.

Christian Williams, trainer of Limited Reserve
It’s his first time at nearly three miles, but given the way he races I don’t think it will be a problem and he has a nice racing weight in the conditions.
Reporting by Andrew King

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