Theatrical Star each-way, Garde La Victoire among Sandown Saturday tips

Garde La Victoire bets say he’s poised for victory

Garde La Victoire can make his class tell to defy top weight and land the valuable 2m handicap chase (13:50).

The Philip Hobbs trained gelding won his first three starts over fences last season in impressive fashion, including when giving 9lb and a seven-length thrashing to subsequent four-time winner Bristol De Mai at Uttoxeter.

Connections decided to switch the eight-year-old back to the smaller obstacles for his first start this season, and Garde La Victoire looked as good as ever when shouldering 11st 10lb to victory in the the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las.

Garde La Victoire backed that up with a cracking short-head second to Sir Valentino in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, and was then far from disgraced last time out when third to Yanworth in the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle at Ascot.

This represents a drop in class and looks an excellent opening for this tough and consistent horse to get back to winning ways, so side with Garde La Victoire bets.

Finian’s Oscar a tasty punt in Tolworth

Finian’s Oscar created a huge impression when scoring on debut under rules and can take the step up into Grade 1 company in his stride to land the feature race on the card, the Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle (14:25).

After landing his sole start in an Irish point the gelding was bought for £250k by Irish owners Alan and Ann Potts and sent to join trainer Tizzard.

His new handler made no secret of the fact that he held the five-year-old in the highest regard before his debut over hurdles at Hereford, and Finian’s Oscar could not have been more impressive in beating Acting Lass by seven lengths.

To find out more about why Finian’s Oscar looks up to this challenge and worth a bet, check out our individual preview for the prstigious Tolworth Hurdle.

Sandown tips for Saturday, January 7

12.10: Coeur De Lion
12.45: Briery Queen
13.15: Atirelarigo
13.50: Garde La Victoire (NAP)
14.25: Finian’s Oscar (NB)
15.00: Theatrical Star (E/W)
15.35: Discours D’un Roi

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