2:13 Sandown
This Class 4 handicap over the minimum trip at Sandown brings together a compact field of nine sprinters on good ground. The KTB Fit scores are tightly bunched at the top, with Em Four heading the numbers on 64, followed by Cayman Tai on 58 and a pair on 55 in Nogo's Dream and Kiss And Run. Recent form is mixed, with several runners dropping or stepping in class, and the trainer and jockey combinations add further layers given the modest strike rates at the track for some of the bigger names.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape suggests a strongly-run race with multiple front-runners and prominent types likely to contest the lead early. Em Four, Cayman Tai and Marching Mac are all inclined to race prominently, while Lequinto and Betties Bay also tend to be forward. The key question is whether the early pace will prove too hot on this stiff Sandown finish or if one of the hold-up performers can pick up the pieces if the leaders go hard.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1Em Four KTB Selection64/100
- 2Cayman Tai58/100
- 3Nogo's Dream55/100
- 4Kiss And Run55/100
- 5Marching Mac50/100
- 6Carbine Harvester50/100
- 7Betties Bay48/100
- 8Lequinto46/100
- 9Fantasy Master46/100
The contenders
Em Four KTB Fit 64/100
Em Four arrives in excellent order with recent form figures of 143135 that include two wins and two placings from his last six starts. The 4-year-old has looked progressive and is effective on good ground having won twice and placed once from just three runs. Jamie Osborne and Saffie Osborne team up with a 12% strike rate together and the yard has an 11% record at Sandown from 151 runs. Drawn in stall five, this prominent runner should get a good tow into the race and looks ideally placed to capitalise if the pace collapses late. KTB rates this one the top horse in the race on 64.
Cayman Tai KTB Fit 58/100
Cayman Tai has been in consistent form with figures of 253212 showing a win and two seconds from his last six outings. Although this represents a step up in class, the 4-year-old has shown enough on good ground to remain competitive having placed once from two starts. Richard Hannon has a solid 12% strike rate at Sandown from 533 runs and pairs here with Seamus Cronin who takes off 5lb. Drawn in three, this prominent type should be to the fore early and the combination looks capable of a big run if the class rise does not prove too much. KTB gives this one a Fit score of 58.
Nogo's Dream KTB Fit 55/100
Nogo's Dream is dropping in class which could prove beneficial given his recent efforts of 5-2625 that include two placed finishes. The 6-year-old has been competitive on good ground without winning, placing seven times from twelve starts, and has some course experience having finished fourth here on his only visit. Richard Hughes has a modest 6% strike rate at Sandown but pairs with Billy Loughnane who boasts a strong 17% record at the track from 41 rides. This hold-up performer will be looking to come from off the pace if the race unfolds with plenty of early speed. KTB rates him on 55.
Kiss And Run KTB Fit 55/100
Kiss And Run has solid placed form with figures of 223-72 underlining his consistency at a slightly lower level. Stepping up in class now, the 5-year-old has won once and placed five times from sixteen runs on good ground. Rachel Cook and John Bridger have a strong 13% strike rate at Sandown from just eight runners while Oisin Murphy is a notable booking with a 16% record at the venue. Drawn in seven, this hold-up type will be hoping the prominent runners go hard early so he can launch a challenge from off the pace. KTB also rates this one on 55.
The rest of the field
Marching MacKTB Fit 50/100
Marching Mac is dropping in class with recent form of 9-4043 that includes a third-place finish last time. The 5-year-old has a good record on good ground with two wins and four places from six starts but Phil McEntee and Grace McEntee have a combined 0% record at Sandown from twelve runs for the yard.
Carbine HarvesterKTB Fit 50/100
Carbine Harvester has figures of -57073 and is yet to show his best for William Haggas. The 4-year-old has no placed form from two starts on good ground but the yard has a 19% strike rate at Sandown and Tom Marquand a 14% record at the track.
Betties BayKTB Fit 48/100
Betties Bay comes into this in tremendous heart with figures of /11112 underlining a fine run of form. The 5-year-old has won twice from seven starts on good ground but James Owen has a modest 4% strike rate at Sandown from 24 runs.
LequintoKTB Fit 46/100
Lequinto steps up in class but has the benefit of a Sandown win from his only start here. The 9-year-old has recent form of 422313 and is effective on good ground with one win and four places from six starts; Tony Carroll and Rossa Ryan combine with an 18% strike rate together.
Fantasy MasterKTB Fit 46/100
Fantasy Master has recent form of 6551-3 and placed on his only start this year. The 8-year-old has won twice from ten starts on good ground and has placed once from three runs at Sandown, though Robert Cowell and David Egan have a modest combined record at the track.
KTB verdict
Em Four stands out at the top of the KTB Fit ratings and has the best recent form and ground profile of the principals. The selection has won on good ground, races prominently from a good draw, and the Osborne combination know what is required at Sandown. He is taken to land this ahead of Cayman Tai who brings strong recent consistency and looks the main danger if he handles the rise in class. Nogo's Dream and Kiss And Run are next in the reckoning with the drop in grade and booking of Oisin Murphy respectively giving them each a chance if the pace is strong.
KTB Selection Em Four
This is the narrative read of the 2:13 Sandown. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Sandown racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has course-winning form at Sandown?
Lequinto is the only horse with a Sandown win on his record, successful here from one run.
Who has the strongest jockey record at Sandown in this race?
Billy Loughnane has a 17% strike rate at Sandown from 41 rides with an A/E of 1.39.
Which runners are dropping in class?
Nogo's Dream and Marching Mac are both dropping in class.
Which horse has the best recent form on good ground?
Em Four has two wins from three starts on good ground and has also placed once.
Which trainer has the highest strike rate at Sandown among those represented?
William Haggas has a 19% strike rate at Sandown from 418 runs.
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