Thoughts on today’s runners

Two sprinters at Sandown this afternoon. Seneca Chief steps up in class in the 4.20. Adam McNamara is back aboard the gelding in the five furlong race as he bids to make it three wins in four starts. This is a challenging race for Seneca Chief who runs in off a ten pound higher rating then his last win and needs to prove he has the ability to be competitive in this grade. He has improved since his return to racing but this requires another step forward. A high draw isn’t always helpful but he has shown he is versatile in his run style so that may help.

The race looks quite open and most of the field come here in reasonable form. Perhaps War Whisper who drops a bit in class and has the assistance of first time cheek pieces is the biggest danger, Michaels Choice won last time with a couple of these in behind and looks to be improving at the minute.

Seneca Chief is owned and was bred by Gary and Lesley Middlebrook. He will be led up by Billie Portwin and overseen by Shaun Johnson. He is regularly ridden by Damon Houlbrook at home.

Outrage goes in the 4.55 under Kieran O’Neill who won twice on gelding in a successful winter campaign last season. Following a break Outrage normally needs a run or two to hit top form but showed the enthusiasm is still there when showing up well for a long way last time at Newcastle on his return. Although most of his very best form has been on the all weather he has run well here in the past. He has a decent draw but there does look to be a lack of pace which wouldn’t necessarily suit a horse that loves to come from behind.

There are a few here with a little bit to prove at present and the race might be fought out between Konchek who has shown a high level of ability at times in his career and the mare Puds who has been flying high of late and is effective over five and six furlongs so should have no trouble over this stiff five furlongs. Veteran Line of Reason is in good heart and won an easier race last time out, this would be a bit more challenging.

Outrage races for Capture the Moment, an partnership managed by Daniel and Claire with between four and six shareholders per horse. He will be led up by Alice Roberts today and overseen by Shaun Johnson who is his regular rider at home.