Don’t Discount Duhr On Handicap Bow At Sandown

I was bitterly disappointed that Sir Chauvelin didn’t manage to grab a place on Saturday, because I think his run deserved it. He had to sit and suffer travelling well in rear 5f out and his fate was sealed when he had to switch widest of all to make his challenge. He looked like he might get involved at the finish but the extra ground he had to cover took its toll and he ended up coming home in 7th. He definitely has a big pot in him at some stage and if he gets his ground, it could well be the Ebor in August.
 

Don't lose the faith in Sir Chauvelin.

Tomorrow’s Irish action comes from Naas and Mamba Noire, who I fancied to go well at the Curragh on Saturday, is turned out again quickly. If she runs she could go well, and I also think Miacomet is overpriced in the 6f maiden. She won a recent barrier trial at Dundalk over 5f in good style and she definitely possesses ability. If her pedigree is anything to go by 6f should pose no problems and I wouldn’t put you off having a small e/w bet at odds of 25/1.

However, my main selection for Wednesday runs in the opening apprentice handicap at Sandown, and I think Duhr looks interesting on his handicap bow off a mark of just 63. This son of Mawatheeq showed glimmers of ability in France and I think his UK debut on the all-weather back in December at Lingfield (10f) was actually a lot better than his finishing position and distance beaten suggests.

He was 9L behind the winner Dash Of Spice (now rated 106) and with a better ride I think Duhr could have finished at least 5L closer. He was given a very tender ride again on his next start back at the same venue by Timmy Murphy when dropped back to a mile, but just like his previous run, it was not an effort devoid of promise.

A slow start meant he could never land a blow at Epsom back in April in a class 4 Novice over 8.5f (gd), but I am willing to put a line through that run. He should be suited by the step back up to 10f at Sandown and his pedigree suggests quick ground should be fine. His jockey Paddy Bradley has had a win and three top 4 finishes from just 9 rides from Ralph Smith so hopefully his booking is a sign that Duhr will be trying.

Interestingly enough, the Smiths went close with a similar type in this very apprentice race at Sandown all the way back in 2011, so perhaps they want to avenge that nose defeat for Croix Rouge! Hopefully that is the case, and if he shows the same ability that he showed on his UK debut at Lingfield in a first time hood I think Duhr could outrun his odds of 33/1. At that price, he has to be worth a couple of quid each way.

STEVOS’ SELECTION: 5.50 SANDOWN-DUHR E/W @ 33/1