Antepost: Veterans Final Handicap Chase

It's a big shame for Sandown to lose their prestigious Tolworth Novice Hurdle, which should of been run this weekend. However the meeting revolves around the big Veterans Final Series Handicap Chase which contains plenty of old timers who are well loved by racing fans including Cepage, Good Boy Bobby, Thomas Darby and Aye Right being one of many in this race.

A horse who always tries his heart out, and has run many consistent races for punters is LORD DU MESNIL, and he is the selection here. A winner of 4 chases, he's finished 2nd 11 times in his career - however that's not for the want of trying and he is as genuine as they come. A lover of heavy ground, the soft tacky conditions come Saturday will be up his street and plenty will be crying come the end of a big field stamina test at the stiff Sandown course.

His run at Cheltenham last time out was solid, finishing 2nd to the blog selection Cepage in the veterans chase over 2m4, and the soft ground over 3 miles will suit him better here. Well backed last time out, he enjoys extreme conditions and the big field here will offer a proper stamina test that he needs.

Priced at 10/1, that's a fair enough each way bet at the moment and it's worth considering backing him on the day as well with extra places on offer. Looking at the rest of the field, Good Boy Bobby has a favourites chance having won 2 veteran races this season including over course and distance. Thomas Darby is not trustworthy and I expect his jumping to fall to pieces in a big field, whilst Aye Right will need the ground to dry but holds a good chance. Cepage will not stay the trip either. Other horses with chances include Sam Brown (if it's very soft), and De Rasher Counter, whilst Two For Gold prefers to go right handed, but has to shoulder top weight.

The selection goes to the consistent Lord Du Mesnil who looks set up for a tilt at this race and will get his ideal race conditions.

Bets:

Lord Du Mesnil - 1pt ew @ 10/1 (Bet365)