We enjoyed a successful day last week, with Apache Tribe bolting up in the 16:15 at Ayr and looking a smart prospect who should be followed closely, while Git Maker also provided an each-way return at a nice price. He ran a superb race and may well have won but for a shuddering late error, from which he recovered well to finish second in the Scottish Grand National.
Let’s hope the good form can continue with two selections from Sandown’s Jump Season Finale. For those who prefer shorter-priced selections in multiples, I would be very disappointed if Charles Darwin (14:30 Navan) and Kabral Du Mathan (16:02 Sandown) don’t get the job done.
13:13 Sandown – LA LUNA ARTISTA (2/1 Generally)
LA LUNA ARTISTA has enjoyed a strong season, progressing well with wins at Exeter and Warwick. She also ran a solid race to finish fifth in the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in January, beaten just over four lengths. However, it was her performance at Kempton in February that really caught the eye and gives her very strong claims here. She took a significant step forward in the Grade 2 Adonis, winning by thirteen lengths, travelling smoothly throughout and quickening clear turning for home without coming off the bridle.
She looked a very smart prospect that day, and it was a little surprising that she didn’t head to Aintree’s Juvenile Hurdle, which may suggest a minor setback and is a slight concern. However, she arrives here with plenty in her favour, with the track and ground to suit, and stands out on ratings with further improvement highly likely. The clear danger looks to be the Skeltons’ Made U Blush, who is also progressive, but I would be disappointed if Jane Williams’ filly doesn’t win and early prices of 2/1 look fair.
13:45 Sandown – KOCKTAIL BLEU (12/1 Generally Each Way)
This is a cracking race and should be a great watch, with plenty in the field arriving with solid claims. At bigger prices, Wilstar and Last Round are tempting, but the vote goes to KOCKTAIL BLEU, who has enjoyed a productive season and brings some strong form into the race.
The six-year-old grey has been very consistent and appears better suited by a sounder surface, which he will get at Sandown. He ran very well in January at Kempton, going down by just two and a half lengths to Baron Noir, with that rival going on to perform well at both Cheltenham and Aintree. He then ran an excellent race at the same venue in the Grade 2 Dovecote at Kempton, helping to set a strong gallop and, while others faded, he kept on well despite a few mistakes, showing a great attitude to finish second among some smart performers.
He followed up by defying a penalty at Newbury against useful individuals, again showing a likeable attitude, and he looks fairly treated off a mark of 125 here, making him a solid each-way contender in a very competitive race with extra places on offer.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
13:13 Sandown – LA LUNA ARTISTA (2/1 Generally)
13:45 Sandown – KOCKTAIL BLEU (12/1 Generally Each Way)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 10:11am Friday 24th April
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
