The Mandarin’s & Caroline’s Saturday Selections for 7th March 2026

The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections from Sandown Park & Caroline’s Gowran Park Picks

Sandown Park

Betfair Racing Podcasts Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 1.15
Galactique
Gary & Josh Moore’s Galactique might have benefitted from a more conservative ride when down the field at Cheltenham latest, but is given another chance here. Runners from the Flat do well here for this stable, and there was nothing amiss when putting up a good fight to win at Fontwell back in October, so a combination of heavy ground, and being made too much use of can excuse to a degree that run in that JCB Trial. Better conditions here, so I’d expect Galactique to be in the mix – chance taken.

Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle 2.27
Go Dante
Horse for courses here as Go Dante tries to win this for a third year in a row, albeit he must get upsides of the well fancied Mondo Man to do just that. However, Olly Murphy’s Go Dante has got conditions to suit, and if the wind op that followed his last run at Newbury has the desired effect, every chance he can complete the race hat-trick. Mondo Man is an interesting rival, though his wide margin win at Plumpton in a maiden might flatter to deceive, given he was good enough to line up in the French Derby, the Prix du Jockey Club just two years ago. However, Mondo Man is in good hands with Gary & Josh Moore, so looks the main threat to Go Dante, who still gets my vote.

British Stallion Studs EBF Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed) 3.00
Lune Brillante
I think I’ll take a chance on Dan Skelton’s Lune Brillante for this Bumper, and I’ll suspect that Harry Skelton will have her closer to the pace this time. Her last run, in this grade at Huntingdon on soft ground did find her running out of race before she could make a mark, though Sandown’s stiff finish could make a difference with stamina coming into play on this going. The winner of that Listed contest last time out, Ti’mamzel reopposes but on 4lb worse terms, while Max Comely’s Burds Of A Feather has topped the ante post markets this week in what in all honesty is a wide open race. With Dan and Harry Skelton going into the Cheltenham Festival with a whole hand of Ace cards, a confidence boosting win with Lune Brillante would be just the ticket.

Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase 3.35
Calimystic (nap)
With one little caveat, I’ll be hoping that Nicky Henderson’s Calimystic can take this Handicap Chase. My only concern would be if the ground was just a tad deep, which is the big unknown, but this Califet gelding is in top hands with Nicky Henderson and connections seem sure that his future is over fences. Winning at the first attempt suggests it was the right move for this lightly-raced seven year old, so there is sure to be more to come with experience. Venetia Williams’ Bucksy Des Epeires won’t mind this ground, and Paul Nicholls’ Welcome To Cartries is a course and distance winner so completes my three, but I’ll chance my luck with Calimystic.

Betfair Exchange Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase 4.10
Mr Hope Street (nb)
Again I will ride my luck with the outstanding trainer Dan Skelton, as he readies himself for a career defining Festival at Cheltenham. Fully deserving of every success in my book, it would be good for Dan & brother Harry to notch up a winner before laying out their wares at Prestbury Park next week, and in Mr Hope Street they may have their best chance of success. Ben Pauling has his chasing string in fine fettle, so Followcato must be on anyone’s list, while Soldierofthestorm has place claims at the least. Mr Hope Street to go in for the in-form Alcester yard of Dan Skelton.

Gowran Park

William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Maiden Hurdle 1.58
Manoir De Mirande
Well, before all the fun starts at Cheltenham next week, Gordon Elliott can continue his fine run of form this season with Manoir De Mirande. He was not too far behind the odds-on favourite Madness D’elle here the last day, and I’m thinking that he’ll be winning soon enough over hurdles, and this looks as good an opportunity as any. He maybe should have already won but fell at the last at Cork back in December, so maybe it’s a win that is over due. Anyhows, it’s Manoir De Mirande to go in for me, ahead of PJ Rothwell’s Bulgaden Castle.

INHSC Supporting Point-To-Points Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase 4.53
Lets Go Champ
I do think that Mags Mullins’ Lets Go Champ can take this Hunters Chase, to show there is still life in the old dog yet. Having moved on from Henry de Bromhead’s yard, where he was a Grade 3 winner just two seasons back, he showed a bit of zest to stay on and win a Point at Oldtown the last day. I suppose that Hunters Yarn would be the on to be making a race of it, and he wasn’t far off Panda Boy at Naas under rules last month, so these are my two. Lets Go Champ to prevail at the expense of Hunters Yarn.