Sandown preview (14.25): O O Seven can land hat-trick in Tolworth
David Metcalf | January 2, 2016
Trainer Nicky Henderson has a tremendous record in the Tolworth Hurdle, and O O Seven can further enhance it with victory in this year’s renewal of the Grade 1 event at Sandown (14.25).
The Lambourn handler has saddled five winners of the 2m contest, and four of those have come in the last five runnings.
In O O Seven, he has a gelding who was a decent bumper horse and has won his two starts over hurdles in the manner of a very exciting prospect.
After sauntering to an facile 13 length success at Huntingdon, the six-year-old showed a really good attitude to follow-up over course and distance.
O O Seven travelled strongly on the heels of the leading pair in the latter before being shaken-up to take the lead two from home.
The son of Flemensfirth then quickened clear approaching the last to put the race to bed and kept on strongly on the run-in to beat Premier Bound by a cosy 1 1/4 lengths.
It was a most taking performance, and with underfoot conditions holding no fears O O Seven can take this en route to better things.
Yorkhill can impress on debut
Irish raider Yorkhill made an impressive winning debut over the obstacles at Punchestown and is a big danger.
The Willie Mullins trained gelding looked a top notch prospect last season when unbeaten in two bumpers, and confirmed the view when putting a faultless jumping performance to score easily by 8 1/2 lengths.
Yorkhill didn’t do jockey Ruby Walsh any favours when pulling hard in the early stages, but cruised into contention to challenge the pacesetting Road To Respect in the straight.
It was then just a case of when Walsh pushed the button, and when he did approaching the last Yorkhill quickened smartly to put the race to bed.
However, that race was over 2m 4f and the drop back in trip is not sure to suit Yorkhill who looks more of a stayer than a speed horse.
Related
For more festive and New Year horse racing, check out Coral’s dedicated section.
Coral’s top tip: O O Seven looks decent value to land the hat-trick and provide trainer Nicky Henderson with another winner of the Tolworth.
