It's hard to envisage a situation where BEAUPORT doesn't get involved in the finish in the 2.55 at Sandown. Nigel Twiston-Davies' young stayer took the competitive EBF Final here last year and has since ran two fine races in defeat this season. The step up to 3m looks the obvious move and I think it will bring about plenty of improvement. He will no doubt make a chaser in time but he's still only 6 and staying over hurdles looks a wise move for now. The only doubt he has here is the forecast decent ground but on breeding he should certainly handle it. His main asset is his stamina and the Sandown hill will require plenty of that.
Over in Ireland the Dublin Racing Festival takes centre stage. I'm interested to see how AUTHORIZED ART runs in the 2.45 as he looked a non stayer the last day but the fact Willie Mullins keeps him at 3m suggests they think he does stay. It could have been the ground the last day in all fairness so we will find out tomorrow one way or the other but either way he looks a very well handicapped horse off 130.
The Irish Gold Cup doesn't look the strongest of races and I'd be keen to take a punt on JANIDIL who looks to be improving. His main rivals seem to have reached or passed their peak and I don't think this 8 year old has finished improving just yet. He ran a fine race last time out when beaten 7 lengths by some of the horses that re-oppose tomorrow but the better ground should see them finish a lot closer I think. At 14/1 he looks a good punt in a wide open race.
Sandown 2.55 – Beauport
Leopardstown 2.45 – Authorized Art
Leopardstown 3.15 – Janidil
