The EBF final at Sandown is one of my favourite races of the year and although this year doesn't look a vintage edition I think it will still throw up one or two smart staying chasers of the future. I have a lot of respect for a lot of these but I think one that could be very well handicapped is KARL PHILLIPE. His connections have enjoyed success in this race before and this lad looks tailor made for the test this poses. Although beaten in his first two hurdle starts, there was plenty to be hopeful about as he was only undone by a bad jump and a slight lack of pace. Once upped in trip he put in his most dominant performance at Exeter last time out when beating a decent field in good style. A further step up in trip here will bring about further improvement and a mark of 130 looks well within his reach.
The Imperial Cup looks a sub standard renewal and it probably won't take much winning. I haven't got a strong fancy but a bang in form EAMON AN CNOIC looks overpriced at 14/1. David Pipe's admirable 10 year old hosed up here two runs ago before finding the progressive Grumpy Charley too good at Chepstow. He has received a hike for that earlier Sandown performance but Fergus Gillard's claim negates a good deal of that and off a lightweight at the bottom of the handicap you have give him plenty of respect today. David Pipe has a great record in the race, likewise his Father, which again would give you plenty of confidence.
Sandown 1.50 – Karl Phillipe
Sandown 2.25 – Eamon An Cnoic
