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Sam King returns with two selections on Thursday…
There are very few trainers in better form across the globe than Jamie Snowden at present and Torneo appears to hold solid claims in the 2025 Wincanton Fixtures On Sale Now Handicap Chase at Wincanton (3.23).
With the Lambourn-based handler operating at a sensational 43% strike-rate (6-14) over the last fourteen days, you cannot help but flick to his entries first thing in the morning. Stable jockey Gavin Sheehan heads to Warwick to partner debutant Livingit Du Large, who also must be of significant interest, but champion jockey Harry Cobden, similarly operating at an impressive 31% for the last two weeks, is certainly an able deputy at Wincanton this afternoon.
A winner on the flat at Pau for Jean-Claude Rouget in France, he landed a weak juvenile hurdle in fine style at Wetherby in January before two fair efforts in handicap hurdles at Fontwell and Bangor to round out his season.
Although not exactly bred for chasing, the Jamie Snowden-trained four-year-old shaped with plenty of promise when third on his debut over fences at Uttoxeter last month. Having been off the track for five months prior, he understandably looked in need of the run that day, travelling freely before becoming outpaced approaching the second last.
The winner has followed up since to give the form a solid look for the grade and while the likes of Hatos and last-time-out scorer Famoso have to be feared to an extent, they may find unexposed four-year-old Torneo too much to handle with his allowance.
Win - Torneo
Odds – 6/4
John and Thady Gosden and Kieren O'Neill have a 50% strike-rate when teaming up at Wolverhampton and that may improve courtesy of Crepe Suzette in the Know Your Limits With BetMGM Maiden Fillies' Stakes (5.10).
A well-bred daughter of Saxon Warrior, she shaped much better than the bare result when sixth of nine on her debut at Newmarket (Rowley) earlier this month. Having suffered interference exiting the stalls, she lost all real chance of winning and understandably, Rab Havlin's early thoughts were to teach his filly as much as possible throughout her seven-furlong introduction.
She did well to latch onto the back of the pack and stayed on steadily between beaten rivals, leaving the impression that she could take a sizeable step forward next time out. Stall twelve certainly makes life trickier this evening given her incident exiting the gates on debut, but assuming she can work her way into a challenging position, then it wouldn't at all be surprising if she had too much for the more exposed Charlie Appleby-trained filly Wild Angel, who looks opposable at the top of the market with a rating of 76.
Win - Crepe Suzette
Odds – 15/8