Paul Kealy's play of the day at Sandown

Henri The Second

1.15 Sandown

I was half-tempted by the 11-year-old mudlark West To The Bridge in this Pertemps qualifier, but I'm just not sure about his stamina as his only win over a trip longer than two and a half miles came in a three-runner race in which his only market rival failed to finish.

Preference is for Henri The Second, who also needs to prove his stamina, but surely will. 

He hasn't won since taking the Winter Novices' Hurdle on soft ground here in 2022, but managed only one run in a chase last year (jumped poorly here), so hasn't had that much racing.

His fourth here on his return last month was solid enough while also suggesting that 2m4f on good to soft ground is now nowhere near far enough.

He's a half-brother to Enrilo, who had the bet365 Gold Cup taken off him in the stewards' room three years ago, and is by Saddler Maker, whose best progeny tend to revel in the mud. This could be a test that he wants, and if it is he could prove very well handicapped in an average race.

Henri The Second13:15 Sandown

View Racecard

Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Paul Nicholls

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