Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing Tips: Sandown & Wolverhampton – Saturday Selections
Saturday’s ITV Racing coverage splits between Sandown Park and Wolverhampton Racecourse, and leading pundit Matt Chapman has released his selections for the day’s action. Chapman, a familiar face to racing fans, has highlighted several horses he believes offer value across the two venues.
The day’s racing includes the Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown, a competitive race where Chapman believes No Ordinary Joe presents a decent opportunity despite being overlooked in the betting. At Wolverhampton, the Lincoln Trial Handicap is a key race, with Chapman particularly keen on Two Tempting.
Here’s a breakdown of Chapman’s ITV Racing tips for :
Sandown Park
13:50 – Laguna Beach (each-way): Chapman notes that Laguna Beach was hampered by a mistake at Ascot but believes the horse has the potential to improve, particularly given his staying ability. The horse is up 4lb for the defeat but was giving away 6lb to a useful prospect last time out. Chapman suggests Laguna Beach has more to supply and has at least an each-way chance for trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Nico de Boinville.
14:27 – No Ordinary Joe: Chapman believes No Ordinary Joe is “a crazy price” given a better run at Ascot and a favorable weight adjustment. The horse has a history of performing well in similar races, including a win at Sandown in a bumper and placing in the Greatwood and Martin Pipe. He’s rated 123 currently, having been up to 143 in the past. Benjamin Macey rides again, taking off 5lb for trainer Faye Bramley.
15:00 – Burds Of A Feather: Acknowledging a degree of uncertainty, Chapman suggests Burds Of A Feather could be competitive if she settles well, having shown promise in a recent win at Warwick.
15:35 – Invincible Nao (each-way): Chapman believes Invincible Nao has been unfairly treated by the handicapper, dropping 4lb for a defeat at Ascot. Prior to that effort, he was a good third at Lingfield off today’s rating of 124 and has good course form. He should have an each-way chance for Josh & Gary Moore and jockey Caoilin Quinn.
Wolverhampton
14:05 – Silky Wilkie: Chapman believes Silky Wilkie is well handicapped on his best form and is good enough to be competitive. The horse went up 4lb for winning here two runs ago but remained in good form off a mark of 86 when fourth at Southwell. He has a good draw and Jack Nicholls takes off a useful 5lb.
14:42 – Two Tempting: Chapman finds Two Tempting overpriced for trainer Jonny Portman and jockey Rob Hornby. The horse is consistent, and Chapman points out that he beat First Principle at Kempton in November, giving that rival 10lb. He is now 5lb better off with First Principle. Two Tempting ran well in a Listed contest he couldn’t win last time and has a good draw.
15:15 – Witch Hunter: Chapman notes that Witch Hunter remains a potent threat in races like this, despite his age. At seven years old, he may not be improving, but he won at Newcastle two runs ago off 101 and was competitive off 105 in Listed company last time. He can finish well if the pace is strong for trainer Joe Leavy and jockey Richard Hannon. He was second in this race last year.
Chapman’s selections reflect a mix of established performers and potential up-and-comers, with an emphasis on horses he believes are well-positioned in their respective races. He’s identified potential each-way opportunities as well as horses he feels have a strong chance of winning outright.