WITNESS AP-HEEL AT SANDOWN

Today's racing at Sandown sees the conclusion of what has been a memorable jumps season. The horses who have made the past few months are having their deserved laps of honour around the paddock before racing. On the other hand, some are having their season's swansong on the track itself. Sire De Grugy is one of these and he looks extremely likely to add another Group 1 to his impressive collection, although the opposition isn't up to much today in truth. The feature race is the bet365 Chase, which was won two years ago by the often enigmatic, but undeniably brilliant Tidal Bay, who just as I write this has been retired. I wish him a happy retirement, as does everybody else in the racing community no doubt.

In the bet365 Chase, I'm keen on two horses, (as the title of the blog suggests). Firstly, ARDKILLY WITNESS. In what has been a whirlwind season for trainer Dr Richard Newland, he will be looking to add this valuable prize to the Grand National he won with Pineau De Re earlier this month. His representative in this race should have no problems with the trip and he has form on the ground, which isn't going to be bottomless but will be rather dead, following the deluge that hit the course during their flat card yesterday. The horses that ran 24 hours ago found it very tough going and although it won't be as grueling today as the rain appears to have stayed away, it will still pose a challenge to some. His trainer is likely to have him primed for this race, and he looks to have a massive chance.

Ardkilly Express (foreground)

My other selection for this race was the winner of the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, SPRING HEELED. The rain that hit yesterday will not play to his strengths at all, but it shouldn't be soft enough to rule him out entirely. His trainer is another who has had an amazing season, as Jim Culloty won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Lord Windermere. The pilot that day was Davy Russell, who gave him a spectacular ride that day and he rides Spring Heeled today, so that is something massively in his favour. Culloty claims the course will bring out the best in him, hopefully he will be there or thereabouts towards the finish.

Spring Heeled

The other horse that Jim Culloty has brought over from Ireland interests me as well. VAXALCO runs in the 5:30 against some horses with far superior form to him, but he runs off a featherweight of 9-9, which is aided by five pounded claimer Conor Shoemark. He is exceptional value for his claim, having recently chalked up double at Cheltenham's April meeting and they were both smart rides. Interestingly, when Culloty was a guest on the Morning Line in November, he tipped this horse up as having a good chance. He only came second that day, but its an idea of what his trainer thinks he can achieve. 20/1 could be a really nice price about him.

In the opener, BARADARI is of interest on ground he'll love and connections will be hoping this expensive purchase can win the 1st place prize today. Also, VODKA WELLS cannot be ignored for a shrewd trainer in Brian Ellison. Barry Geraghty is an interesting jockey booking and the support in the market for him could imply that he has a big chance. The main danger to these two is Dolores Delightful.

Over at Haydock, LOUIS THE PIOUS should go well in the 2:20. The trip is an unknown although its shouldn't provide too much bother for him. Along with him, DON'T BOTHER ME is interesting for his new trainer Marco Botti. This is far easier than what he faced last year, as he was competing against the Irish classic generation. He wasn't up to that class, but he could be up to this. Frankie Dettori as a booking catches the eye too.

In the 2:55 at Haydock, GALUPPI is chosen to beat the favourite Talmada. Ryan Moore is a positive booking and I believe the odds on favourite is way too short. As long as he improves a little on his second run he should win, in my opinion.

Finally, in the 5:25 at Doncaster, THATCHEREEN is the selection. Her best run was on soft ground last year and that's what she's got today. Being by Mastercraftsman, this is no surprise. She should relish the underfoot conditions whilst others may not.

Have a good weekend

Happy Punting!