Races
SANDOWN | Best Antepost Selections for Jumps Finale Day
The team have picked out three runners that could hold some ante-post value ahead of Jumps Finale Day at Sandown
The 2021/22 Jumps season draws to a close on Saturday afternoon, with Jumps Finale Day marking the end of the current campaign at Sandown.
The seven-race card has plenty of action on offer, with four Graded contests on offer including the Celebration Chase and the bet365 Gold Cup.
The team has taken a look through the entries, in hope of picking out a handful of runners that could hold some appeal in the antepost markets.
Here are the three best antepost selections for Jumps Finale Day at Sandown.
PISTOL WHIPPED – Oaksey Chase (9/1)
While he may have 6lbs to find on the favourite, Pistol Whipped could be an undetected threat in the Oaksey Chase for Nicky Henderson.
The eight-year-old is only one of two runners to have won over the 2m6½f distance and he carries some progressive form in the last 12 months, jumping up 14lbs in the ratings in his last six starts.
The better ground currently on offer should suit him and his front-running antics should benefit him here.
The gelding will need to get the better of some handy rivals in this contest, but he could well have more in the locker and his price of 9/1 at this stage could hold some value.
FIDUX – bet365 Gold Cup (25/1)
After a fair performance in the Scottish Grand National, Fidux could give a good account of himself in the bet365 Gold Cup for Alan King.
The gelding plugged on in the marathon contest at Ayr earlier in the month, running into fourth at the eye-catching odds of 66/1.
It was his first start over the extended trip of 3m1f and it opens up a world of opportunities for the nine-year-old if he is able to replicate a similar effort in comparison to last time.
His price of 25/1 at this stage looks generous after receiving a 2lb reduction in his rating and with Daryl Jacob back in the saddle, he could well be in contention here at a big price.
ENVOI ALLEN – Celebration Chase (10/1)
If anyone had said Envoi Allen would be offered up at an each-way price for a Grade 2 contest two years ago, you would have been laughed at.
However, following a stable change and some bumpy form, it’s the situation Envoi Allen finds himself in as he could feature in the Celebration Chase at Sandown.
The two-time Cheltenham Festival winner has not been able to show his form of old since joining Henry De Bromhead, but he should relish a run on good ground and a challenging track with stiff fences.
The eight-year-old’s front-running style will suit this course and while he does have something to prove here, he could put up a big effort in this company.
Odds courtesy of bet365 and correct at time of writing
