NICHOLLS TO NAB SANDOWN OPENER

13:15 Sandown

Although it's perhaps a tad unfair to the remaining five other runners and no doubt just me typing this will mean I'll jinx it entirely but although the number of runners goes all the way down to seven there's only two in the lineup that I feel can scoop the pot.

At the time of writing there's joint favourites at the head of the betting with Dolos and Caribean vying for favouritism. Two powerhouse yards with two top jockeys booked for the rides it's going to be hard to split the duo but never the less I will endeavour to try.

Dolos returns to the scene of his last success and after a mixed bag of performances now comes back to Sandown with just 1lb more on his back than when last victorious. The eight year old has a fantastic record at this venue with two wins and two second placed efforts from five course starts. He'll relish the softer ground, wukk be fitter for his Cheltenham run and will be happy to return to handicap company.

I know Caribean Boy has younger legs and has room to progress but I have to take his Grade 2 victory with a pinch of salt after finishing stone last in a handicap at Ascot the time after. He's an unknown quantity who doesn't seem the most predictable and I'm far from certain that dropping back in trip is going to be the right move. The underfoot conditions are probably going to play to his strengths but his market rival has already been there and done it and has far few questions to answer.

As for the remainder you could probably throw a blanket over them and I wouldn't be surprised if any claimed third or even second spot I just cannot see past another Paul Nicholls trained winner.

DOLOS (WIN)

written by Rory Paddock