Alan King has a phenomenal record in the Winter Novices Hurdle at Sandown having won 3 of the last 5 renewals. He attempts to better that record today with VALLERES who is much better than the bare form of his run at Ludlow last time. Daryl Jacob feels the good ground was to blame but personally I think Jacob fell asleep aboard and allowed Threeunderthrufive a very easy lead. My selection missed a few hurdles up the straight as he tried to get on terms and ultimately that cost him. He is better judged on his run at Wetherby when he scooted away from a good field and if able to produce that effort I think he is the one to side with here. It's a small but competitive field and at 9/2 I think he is the value.
Sandown 2.25 – Valleres
