Flat racing and National Hunt enthusiasts alike will be in their element over the next two days at Sandown, where mixed cards are staged tomorrow and on Saturday, which sees the official end of the jumping campaign.
It's not often that Tony McCoy and Kieren Fallon feature on the same programme, but the champions of both spheres are set to figure on the scoreboard tomorrow.
McCoy teams-up with Copeland in the Concept Hurdle and the Martin Pipe-trained gelding, seen out only three times this season, looks poised to notch his first success.
Winner of this race 12 months ago, Copeland has every chance of gaining back-to-back victories, following his smart effort at Aintree earlier this month when he finished sixth to Sacundai and Rooster Booster over two and a half miles. Tomorrow's shorter trip will be in his favour.
Fallon, seen to geat advantage on a couple of winners, including the Lynda Ramsden-trained Lingo, at Epsom yesterday, can take the £60,000 Sandown Park Classic Trial on Strength 'N Honour.
Winner of both his races this season, and entered in the Vodafone Derby, Charles Cyzer's pride and joy looked a progressive performer in the making when scoring at Newbury two weeks ago. He should make a bold bid in this Group 3 contest.
Following trainers in form is a tried-and-tested method of finding winners and few stables are currently sending out more winners than Mick Channon's West Ilsley establishment.
Channon has excellent prospects of adding to his tally in the £20,000 Tommy Cooper Esher Cup with New Wish, the mount of smart apprentice Dean Corby.
The three-year-old has yet to break his maiden, but he ran a decent race on his reappearance at Newbury a fortnight ago when finishing fifth to Balin's Sword.
He might have finished closer still that day had he not run short of room inside the final furlong, and, on that basis, he deserves every consideration tomorrow. New Wish gets my Nap vote.
In the Premier Lodge Highly Rated Handicap, Move It will be a popular choice to complete a hat-trick.
Roger Charlton's sprinter has won handsomely at Bath and Windsor and, although climbing up the ratings, the handicapper may not have caught up with him yet.
Back with Sandown's jumpers, Ibal is tipped to win the opening race, the Bet attheraces Showcase Handicap Chase.
Dina Smith's seven-year-old has won his last four starts and comes into this two-miler in excellent heart. Leighton Aspell again has the ride.
Up at Perth, make a note of Tim Easterby's Minivet in the On Line Booking Handicap Hurdle. This recent Kelso winner will again be partnered by crack Malton-born amateur, Andrew Tinkler.
Friday's tips:
Sandown
1.15 Ibal, 1.45 Copeland, 2.20 New Wish (Nap), 2.55 Strength 'N Honour, 3.30 Il Capitano, 4.05 Always Esteemed, 4.40 Move It.
Perth
2.05 Kymani Prince, 2.40 Grangewick Flight, 3.15 Minivet, 3.50 Il'athou, 4.25 Mister Chisum, 5.00 Torduff Express, 5.35 Mr Auchterlonie.
- Tomorrow's other meeting is at Wolverhampton.
Updated: 12:23 Thursday, April 24, 2003
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