Saturday’s UK racing tips come your way from meetings at Aintree and Sandown Park on 9 December 2023.
SANDOWN PARK
Race 4 – CONSTITUTION HILL 1/5
Nicky Henderson has a huge afternoon in prospect at Sandown, with three of his stable stars declared for Grade One assignments at the Esher track.
Shishkin lines up in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle, but the race is really all about stablemate CONSTITUTION HILL, who is impossible to oppose.
He will be long odds on, as befits a horse who dominated the two-mile division last term and has shown an aptitude for the kind of deep ground he will face here when winning the Tolworth as a novice in January 2022.
Race 5- COLONEL HARRY 7/2
The Betfair Henry VIII Novices’ Chase is the third Grade One on the card and it is Jamie Snowden’s COLONEL HARRY who takes the eye.
Grade Two placed over hurdles, he made a seamless switch to fences at Chepstow when his previous Tolworth conqueror Tahmuras trailed home last of three.
While the favourite underperformed that day, Colonel Harry sealed victory over Out Of Office with a perfect leap at the last, looking reasonable value for the official margin of two and a half lengths.
This is obviously a huge leap in level, but Colonel Harry looks sure to be a better chaser than hurdler.
Race 6 – SPURIT D’AUNOU 5/1
SPIRIT D’AUNOU returned after a seven-month absence with a fourth at Cheltenham. Not beaten far and could come forward for the run so rates a top chance.
Arqoob has the advantage of race fitness. Scored by three and a half lengths over course and distance when last seen and will be in the mix.
Punta Del Este was a useful second at Wetherby on seasonal reappearance anfd progression is expected, while Impose Toi holds each-way claims for the Henderson yard
Race 7 – JONBON 1/3
Henderson’s JONBON is difficult to look past in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, although conditions might not be his optimum.
The only blemish on his novice chasing season came when second to El Fabiolo in the Arkle at Cheltenham, but he made amends with Maghull glory at Aintree before a successful leap to open company in the Grade One Celebration Chase at this track at the end of the campaign.
Henderson gave him a spin out at Cheltenham last month and Jonbon duly came home a comfortable nine-length winner over the reopposing Edwardstone, with little to suggest that form will be turned around here.
Race 8 – BEAUPORT 11/4
BEAUPORT is capable of overcoming near-top weight. Good fifth resuming and drops back in class and will like a stamina test.
Certainly Red was a useful fourth recommencing racing at Wincanton and is worth considering.
Fontaine Collonges looks interesting from a low weight with apprentice claim on her seasonal reappearance.
Broken Halo holds each-way claims returning after a break and was dual winner at the end of last season.
AINTREE
Race 5 – HELTENHAM 3/1
HELTENHAM made light work of a useful novice field upon return. Already a fences winner and rates an excellent chance switching back to that discipline.
Richmond Lake also scored on return to the track at Wetherby tackling two miles. Maintains form and cannot be underestimated.
Brave Seasca is capable of mixing it with the best on his day. If putting his last run behind him could play a big role.
War Lord produced a fair performance at Exeter in the Haldon Gold Cup. Further improvement expected off the back of that.
Race 6 – HIGHLAND HUNTER 11/2
HIGHLAND HUNTER has yet to have a spin over the Grand National fences, but he arrives at the Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase on the back of a fine prep run when beaten two lengths by Elvis Mail at Kelso in October, with National hero Corach Rambler a disappointing fifth.
He was giving the winner 5lb on what was his first run for 630 days and his initial start for Fergal O’Brien, leaving the impression there could be plenty to work on.
The 10-year-old finished second in the Welsh National a couple of years ago and has relatively few miles on the clock for a horse of his age.
Race 7 – MAX OF STARS 9/2
MAX OF STARS maintains fine form after a second at Newbury last weekend. Won multiple times last season and could prove hard to beat.
Liari brings an excellent level of jumping into the race. Impressed in a lesser contest last time and can take this step up in his stride.
Le Fauve has delivered only the one start which was at Bordeaux finishing second of seven and has a genuine chance.
Eagle Prince will be hoping to improve on Cheltenham run. That was a much better race so might find this more to his liking.
Race 8 – SONIGINO 7/2
SONIGINO provided a pleasing return to the track making the frame at Chepstow.
Missed on a placing at Cheltenham subsequently and is capable of better, so will have a big role to play.
Vicki Vale delivered an excellent second at Wincanton and is sure to feature again.
Bashers Reflection clearly benefited from the run at Wincanton scoring at Wetherby down in trip, so is worth considering.
Holmes St George completed a pleasing come back run at Down Royal tackling three miles. Sure to play a role once more among this company.
