Sandown preview: Sequester poised to land hat-trick

Sequester is on a serious upward curve and looks a worthy favourite to land the hat-trick in the 1m 1f handicap on this evening’s card at Sandown (20.35).

The filly, who is trained by the in-form David Lanigan, scored on his seasonal reappearance at Wolverhampton before following up in emphatic fashion with a runaway success at Bath.

After being held-up well off the pace in the latter by jockey George Baker, Sequester made smooth headway two from home to take up the running on the bridle a furlong out and stretch effortlessly clear to win easing down by five lengths.

It was a performance which suggested the daughter of Selkirk was miles ahead of the handicapper, and it’s no surprise to see connections turn her out quickly under a 6lb penalty.

Sequester is due to go up 11lb in future races, so is officially 5lb “well-in” at the weights.

That is going to make the four-year-old very difficult to beat, despite having to shoulder a welter burden of 10st 6lb, and she looks the type who has plenty more to offer and needs keeping firmly on side.

Richard of Yorke looked a smart prospect when winning on his debut and can follow-up on his handicap bow in the 1m 2f contest earlier on the card (19.35).

The Luca Cumani trained colt was sent off an unfancied 14/1 shot for a 1m 2f maiden at Windsor, and after being held-up and running green was denied a clear run two from home when trying to make a move.

Jockey Lemos De Sousa then switched Richard Of Yorke to the inside, and the son of Oasis Dream responded well for pressure and showed a good turn of foot to burst through horses inside the final furlong and beat Wonder Laish by a neck.

Given how the race panned out it was a terrific effort, and the runner-up bolted up by 15 lengths at Lingfield yesterday in the manner of a useful sort.

That gives the form a solid look, and suggests an opening handicap mark of 85 for Richard Of Yorke could well be on the lenient.
Runners from the Cumani yard also rarely score on debut unless they are above average, and generally improve significantly with experience.

That suggests that Richard Of Yorke could be a bit special and better than a handicapper, and he can take this before going on to better things.

Selections:
17.55: Kassia
18.25: Chief Spirit
19.00: Yorkidding
19.35: Richard of Yorke (NB)
20.05: Dark Deed
20.35: Sequester (NAP)