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This Saturday marks the official end of the British jumps season before a new one begins in just under a week’s time. There is still one quality day of action to go, however, with Sandown very much the centre of attention.
I’ve spoken about the mighty Jonbon several times in this column, and this legend of the game will look to add another Grade 1 to his CV in the Celebration Chase (14:55, Sandown). A race he won in 2023 and 2024, he could only finish second last year but is favoured to go one place better this time. He’s still yet to finish outside of the first two in 28 starts – a remarkable statistic for a jumper – and should maintain that record with a clear round. He was a bit flat at the Festival last time out but it’s clear Cheltenham isn’t really his track now and, having skipped Aintree, we might see the best of him here.
He faces a huge threat from Thistle Ask. Dan Skelton’s charge has improved a whopping 45lbs on handicap ratings this season and looked unlucky not to beat Jonbon last time out in the Clarence House Chase, just getting ground down close home having had everything – including subsequent Champion Chase winner Il Etait Temps – in huge trouble on the home bend. This bold jumping sort will love winging around here, and better ground, and greater emphasis on speed should really tip the balance in his favour.
Skelton will be crowned champion trainer tomorrow after a sensational season and should add another big pot in the Select Hurdle (16:02). His Kabral Du Mathan shaped like very much the best horse in the Stayers Hurdle last time out but patently did not see out the 3 mile trip. A drop back to this intermediate 21 furlong distance should be ideal and he should be much too good for these provided that last run hasn’t left a mark.
Back to the flat now, and the Navan card sees the return of two potential superstars in the shape of Charles Darwin and Scandinavia, who both represent Aidan O’Brien.
The former looked one of Ballydoyle’s leading juveniles last year when romping home at Royal Ascot having been heavily backed but hasn’t been seen since then. He’s not guaranteed to train on quite as well being by No Nay Never, but even average improvement should see him take high rank amongst the sprinters this season. He has plenty in hand of this field on ratings and should return with a victory in the Committed Stakes (14:30).
Scandinavia looks the type to prove formidable in the staying division this season having won all three starts in headgear, including the St Leger on his most recent start. Having failed to win in three starts as a juvenile, this son of Justify very much strikes as one who will improve again this year and, with Kyprios now retired, you would imagine all roads will lead to Royal Ascot and the Gold Cup.
He faces a very good rival here in the Vintage Crop Stakes (15:05), however, with Carmers having finished in front of him at Royal Ascot last year. Scandinavia reversed that form in the St Leger but the ground was probably a bit soft for Carmers that day and there’s a chance he might have a fitness edge here, with O’Brien almost certainly not having Scandinavia at concert pitch first time out.
Sunday sees the return of Arc winner in the Prix Ganay (15:25, Longchamp), as Daryz makes his much anticipated 4-year-old debut. This horse should be better than ever here and only a lack of fitness should prevent him getting his season off to a winning start.
See The Fire was highly competitive at Group and Grade 1 level last season without winning and gets a welcome class drop for the Nottinghamshire Oaks this Sunday (16:55, Nottingham). With a stone in hand of her rivals, this looks a formality and she should win before hopefully landing a much deserved success at the top level this season.
Race Of The Weekend
The QEII Cup (09:55, Sunday) at Sha Tin is well worth staying up late for as it has attracted a fantastic international field, headed by the home favourite Romantic Warrior. This horse has returned as good as ever as an 8-year-old but faces a level of competition above what he’d typically face in his homeland. The main threat looks to be top notch Japanese runner Masquerade Bell, who makes his return having just been touched off by Calandagan in the Japan Cup last time out. He’d previously been placed in the Japanese Derby and Guineas prior to winning the Tenno Sho and is clearly an animal of immense ability.
Hong Kong Vase winner and Arc third Sosie represents France, while Royal Champion was incredibly impressive when routing solid yardstick Facteur Cheval at Riyadh last time out. He looks better than ever and adds further spice to a mouthwatering contest.
Horse To Watch
That QEII Cup is not the only highlight at Sha Tin as The Chairman’s Sprint Prize (07:55, Sunday) sees Ka Ying Rising return having blitzed the track record when making it 19 wins in a row in the Sprint Cup just 18 days ago. Another win looks a certainty for the best horse in training and one can only hope connections consider the Breeders’ Cup for him this year, as he has little else to prove in his native Hong Kong.
