UK Horse Racing Tips

In the 3.50 at Sandown on Friday, Richard Johnson has a 4-9 (44%) strike rate on hurdlers trained by Henry Oliver during the last five seasons, so his booking for Spencer Lea – his only ride of the day – stands out like a sore thumb. The Overbury gelding returned from an absence of nearly two years to win a 0-120 event, over 2 miles 4½ furlongs, at Market Rasen last month and, although he steps back up in class off a 6lb higher mark, may well be equal to the task.

Although now an 8-year-old, he’s only had eight starts, six of them over hurdles, so he still remains open to significant improvement on his second start for his new yard. Course, distance and going should suit him admirably and he may be able to take this contest en route to better things, if he can be kept sound. Interestingly, Richard Johnson also rode him to his only previous success, over 2 miles 5 furlongs at Ludlow in February 2014, so the hint may be worth taking.

Selection: Sandown 3.50 Spencer Lea to win

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