The big race of the day on Saturday is the Grade 1 Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle. This race takes place at Sandown and it’s certainly one to look forward to. Nicky Henderson’s promising mare Luccia heads the betting but our eye is drawn to the other end of the market. We have found an interesting contender at a huge price who has already beaten another potential runner that’s a fraction of his price. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
L’Astroboy (25-1, bet365) is an absolutely massive price on the form of his bumper win on rules debut back in February. He got the better of Paul Nicholls’ Tahmuras by a neck and that rival re-opposes here. The market may have got this wrong as Tahmuras is 5-2 which is a fraction of L’Astroboy’s price.
Obviously Nicholls’ charge has done well since, winning both hurdles starts including one at Listed level. Such a significant price disparity between the two horses makes little sense. Spring Meadow came home fourth that day and has since won a bumper and a novice hurdle in his two starts since.
Evan Williams’ gelding made a good impression when winning on hurdles debut at Ffos Las last time out. Although plenty of improvement is needed, that was his first start of the season and he should improve for the run and for the experience.
His trainer clearly thinks a lot of him and that’s difficult to ignore. He goes into the race with a 100 per cent record, having won both his starts and is unlikely to go down without a fight here.
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