Timeform Radio Tips: Grove in the groove

David's bets both run at Sandown

David Cleary selects his two best bets on Friday.

The first day of Sandown's Tingle Creek meeting features the Grade 2 Winter Novices' Hurdle at 13:45, a race in which last year Fingal Bay outstayed Simonsig. Conditions will be similarly testing this afternoon, though at this stage the field of five doesn't look to contain a pair of such obvious stars of the future. Taquin de Seuil has the form in the book, but stamina to prove, while good bumper performer Southfield Theatre is an obvious danger on his hurdling debut. This is a race to watch rather than bet on.

The listed chase at 14:20 makes more appeal as a betting medium. Form-pick Bold Sir Brian is an obvious favourite and may well win, but this is his first venture south and the first time he's been faced with such stiff fences. His one slightly disappointing effort over fences came when he made mistakes at Haydock. Triolo d'Alene looks on a recovery mission after a no-show in the Paddy Power, while Pacha du Polder was well below par when well backed on his return and isn't bred to stay three miles. That leaves Grove Pride, who looks sure to progress from his chasing debut form. He was slightly fortunate at Exeter on that occasion but there was a lot to like about the way he went about his work, an obvious sort to make a better chaser than hurdler. 

The amateur riders chase at 14:55 has an open look to it and is likely to be well run but it's worth giving one more chance to Monkerty Tunkerty. He ran as if needing the run when mid-field at Bangor on his handicap debut last month. He should build on that and is well weighted on his best form in hunter chases. A strapping sort, Monkerty Tunkerty ought to be well suited by the demands of Sandown's chase course.     
 
Recommended Bets:

Back Grove Pride @ 6.611/2 in the 14.20 at Sandown
Back Monkerty Tunkerty @ 6.411/2 in the 14.55 at Sandown