Thoughts on Sunday’s Runners

3 runners in the valuable Sunday Series today at Sandown, although we will review the going to consider Helm Rock’s participation. Andaleep runs in the 10 furlong apprentice handicap at 5.12. Don’t Tell Claire and Helm Rock take aim at the mile handicap at 6.12.

Andaleep

Andaleep is seeking a hat-trick after two comfortable wins. This is a much deeper race but he has an excellent record at the track which should stand him in good stead. William Carver who has won on him before takes the ride. The six year old gelding has benefitted from the switch to Sarsen Farm, his record since switching is 132211. He is reasonably well drawn and seems tactically versatile. This has been the long term target since his arrival in the yard.

This looks very open, plenty of horses coming here in excellent form. Pledge of Honour just edged out Andaleep out earlier in the season when they met over course and distance. He went on to win next time out too. Aqwaam is lightly raced and progressive although his recent win came on soft ground over further so conditions might not be entirely in his favour. Schmilson is a relatively lightly raced three year old who has kept very good company at major meetings and could well find the drop to this level in his favour.

Andaleep runs in the colours of James Finch and will be led up Shannon Passotti who cares for him at home.

Don’t Tell Claire

Don’t Tell Claire will be ridden by Jack Mitchell. The filly has not had much luck this season but as a result is starting to look extremely well handicapped on her best form. She once again has an unfavourable wide draw. She has won at the track earlier in her career.

This looks an open race. Ikhitiraaq was sold for a lot of money at the Shadwell dispersal last Autumn and comes here off the back of two wins in small fields. This is a different challenge for the three year old. Ascending was a last time out winner, but he looks like he has avoided faster ground to date. There is also just a slight question as to how competitive the three year old milers are as a whole against the older generation. Coase looks a well handicapped horse and this is a lower level of race than recent assignments.

Don’t Tell Claire will be led up by Tamsin Karn. At home the mare is cared for by Jan Kasecky. She runs in the colours of Andrew Stonehill. She was a £15,000 purchase as a yearling at Doncaster Premier Sale. We will be looking to purchase more like her this week at this years renewal of the sale. She has won four times, including the Iron Stand Fillies Handicap at Ascot.

Helm Rock

Helm Rock comes here seeking a hat trick, he has won four times overall. He is once again partnered by Nicola Currie who is two from two aboard the gelding. The pair have looked very comfortable in victory together. He runs in the same race as Don’t Tell Claire.

He will be led up by James Pulley who cares for him at home. He runs for Capture the Moment a syndicate run by Daniel & Claire. The four time winner was purchased as a yearling by Daniel & Claire.