There are a pair of very interesting Irish raiders at Sandown on Sunday. While the main race of the day is a bit of a flop as a match, the rest of the card holds clues for the rest of the season. There are also cards at Navan and Ffos Las on Sunday for our free horse racing tips.
O Connell Street is the first of a Gordon Elliott pair on the card. He has been much improved for the fitting of cheekpieces, two wins and a second in four starts since they were added. The pick of his form came right-handed at Perth on good to soft ground. Similar conditions here, albeit on a stiffer track for him to work with.
A seven-year-old with just twelve starts in his life, there should be better still to come. He is from a family that suggests he should be capable from higher than a mark of 126. A half-brother to 2019 Ballymore winner City Island, his dam is a half-sister to Grade 1 winners Morley Street and Granville Again. He is a fascinating runner at Sandown.
A bumper to close out the card sees Lieutenant Highway also representing Elliott. Third of four in his opening race, he was beaten less than two lengths in that Punchestown contest. He lacked the pace of the front pair that day so the softer ground and stiffer track should be a big help.
His dam is a half-sister to a Listed winner over hurdles in France and a 131-rated chaser. It would be no surprise to see him do much better at the second time of asking, with it interesting that this has been chosen as an assignment rather than keeping at home in Ireland.
If you are concerned about your gambling and are worried you may have a problem, click here to find advice on how you can receive help.