Sandown

Today, December 5, 2025HurdleClass 41m7f

Verdict

Lots with chances but Jamie Snowden's MARCHE D'ALIGRE rates just the pick of the weights on the back of a resurgent Wetherby second and hails from a yard in fine form so edges the vote. Excellent Huntingdon second Caelan heads the list of dangers, although Across Earth, Ocean Conquest and Fight My Fire all warrant plenty of respect too. Courageous Strike completes the shortlist.

Marche Daligre
Caelan
Across Earth

Win or Each Way

Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places

1. Marche Daligre
J: Gavin SheehanT: Jamie Snowden
F: 12420-2
Price History:
4.00
Age:
4
Weight:
12-1
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
121
Days Since Last Run:
20
Verdict
A fairly useful Flat winner in France who struck at the first time of asking over hurdles at Wetherby last November. Highly tried after but got right back on track when second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Wetherby (16f, soft) 20 days ago. Weighted to go well.
3. Ocean Conquest
J: Sam Twiston-DaviesT: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
F: 74225-11
Price History:
4.50
Age:
4
Weight:
11-11
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
117
Days Since Last Run:
29
Verdict
On the up this autumn and bids for a hat-trick following back-to-back wins at Ludlow in 2m novice and 2m5f handicap, despite jumping left each time. Up another 5 lb but firmly in the picture again with cheekpieces added.
9. Across Earth
J: Caoilin QuinnT: Gary & Josh Moore
F: 234-13
Price History:
5.00
Age:
4
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
110
Days Since Last Run:
11
Verdict
Has returned an improved model, landing 2m Hereford handicap before a very good third of 10 at Kempton (16f, good to soft) 11 days ago. Not taken lightly off the same mark.
11. La Belle Argentee
J: Harry SkeltonT: Dan Skelton
F: 4-27
Price History:
7.00
Age:
4
Weight:
10-8
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
100
Days Since Last Run:
56
Verdict
In the frame in a pair of 2m novice hurdles at Wetherby and Newton Abbot but failed to kick on sent handicapping when seventh of 10 at Chepstow (16f, good to firm) 56 days ago. Still looked a bit green there so could do better for top yard.
10. Knight Templar
J: Jonathan BurkeT: Robert Stephens
F: 218-P3
Price History:
13.00
Age:
4
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
110
Days Since Last Run:
12
Verdict
Opened his account in this sphere in 2m juvenile at Kempton in December. First form since when third of 7 in handicap at Exeter (16.7f, soft) 12 days ago. Needs to back it up.
8. Caelan
J: Sean BowenT: Olly Murphy
F: 45152
Price History:
10.00
Age:
4
Weight:
11-5
Gear:
hood and tongue strap
Official Rating:
111
Days Since Last Run:
24
Verdict
A fair Flat scorer who has shown better form since sent over hurdles, winning at Worcester in September and an excellent second of 8 in handicap at Huntingdon (15.8f, good to soft) 24 days ago. Very much one to consider with tongue tie added.
4. Torrent
J: James BowenT: Nigel Hawke
F: 333334-28
Price History:
10.00
Age:
4
Weight:
11-11
Gear:
visor
Official Rating:
117
Days Since Last Run:
34
Verdict
Returned with a very good second at Chepstow but only eighth of 11 in 2m handicap hurdle at Ascot since. Needs to bounce back in a change of headgear.
2. Galactic Charm
J: Freddie MitchellT: Gary & Josh Moore
F: 21P222-P
Price History:
15.00
Age:
4
Weight:
11-12
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
118
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Fairly useful Flat performer who has quickly reached a similar level over hurdles. Went without usual headgear when pulled up in 2m2f Fontwell handicap on his return and no surprise to see him bounce back with cheekpieces refitted.
7. Fight My Fire
J: Ben JonesT: Joe Tizzard
F: 68-U13
Price History:
21.00
Age:
4
Weight:
11-6
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
112
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Got off the mark at Fontwell in October and not discredited under a penalty when third of 6 in novice hurdle at Wincanton (15.2f, good) 27 days ago. May do better now going into handicaps so needs considering.
Unnamed Favourite
Unnamed 2nd Favourite

Non-Runners

6. Courageous Strike
J: Harry CobdenT: Paul Nicholls
F: 21-15
Price History:
7.00
Age:
4
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
hood
Official Rating:
113
Days Since Last Run:
48
Verdict
Fair on the Flat in Ireland and he was quick to make his mark in this sphere for his current yard, scoring easily at Chepstow and Newton Abbot in the spring. Returned with a fair fifth of 8 in 2m handicap at Newton Abbot 48 days ago and not ruled out with hood added.
5. Benvoy
J: Non RunnerT: Jo Davis
F: 4311-68
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
116
Days Since Last Run:
55
Verdict
A dual 2m hurdles scorer in March but yet to hit top form this term, eighth of 13 in handicap at Chepstow (16f, good to firm) 55 days ago. Since had a wind op.

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