1.50pm Sandown Tips & Betting Preview 02/12/2016

IN SUMMARY: This may go to ANTARTICA DE THAIX, who was a decent enough hurdler and had a warm up over hurdles at the beginning of the month so has race fitness. She has the makings of a better chaser and can take advantage of a mediocre race to get off to the best possible start over fences. Main dangers are most likely Get Involved and Jaboltiski.

1 ANTARTICA DE THAIX – Decent enough hurdler who returned this season with a decent enough 2nd at Wincanton (2m5f, Good) and now makes her chase debut. Will most likely make a better chaser judging by her pedigree and physique, and she couldn’t be with a better trainer to help the transition. There isn’t much solid chase form on offer in the race and therefore she may well take advantage to get off to the best start over fences.

2 PILGRIMS BAY – Posted some decent form over hurdles and could well get involved on chase debut but hasn’t been seen since a poor effort at Ffos Las in March (2m4f, Heavy). Best form on softer ground which is a concern but has each way claims nonetheless.

3 MASTERPLAN – Regressing last season over hurdles and returned on chase debut at Cartmel in October (2m5f, Good to Soft), weakening very tamely. Will most likely come on for that effort but was not in good form over hurdles before return so it’s a risk to think that he will definitely improve. Can’t be recommended at present.

4 GET INVOLVED – Has the best chase form on offer in the field, his latest run at Market Rasen over much further (2m7f, Good) being a career best over fences. Hasn’t run since May which is a concern but has to be considered a threat due to many others not having any or poor chase form on offer.

5 JABOLTISKI – Wasn’t progressing over hurdles after a promising looking start and returned with a 6th of 8 at Chepstow (2m, Good) this season over the smaller obstacles. Very lightly raced in general and the Hobbs’ team is in form, but hard to get excited as others have posted better hurdles form.

6 VOLVALIEN – Won last time out here on 2nd run this season (2m, Good) and that represented a career best over fences. Goes up in Class and needs to improve to feature today, and may well struggle against others who have more potential over fences. Has to be respected though with decent enough chase form.

7 STAR TROUPER – Placed the last twice in Class 4 company, the latest of which when 3rd of 9 at Chepstow (2m3f, Good). Needs much more on previous hurdles form against these and probably best watched on chase debut.

myracing Forecast Prices: 2/1 Antartica De Thaix, 3/1 Volvalien, 9/2 Get Involved, 6/1 Masterplan, 6/1 Jaboltiski, 7/1 Pilgrims Bay, 12/1 Star Trouper