‘I can’t believe he’s not shorter’ – My Saturday tip and a Cheltenham fancy who’s ‘sparkling’ again

WE had the one-two in last year’s EBF Final — and who says we won’t top that with the one-two-three today!

It has long been the target for all three runners we send to Sandown this afternoon.

PASun Racing columnist Ben Pauling is delighted to see one of his stable stars in ‘sparkling’ form again ahead of Cheltenham[/caption]

With MEETMEBYTHESEA (1.50), IT’S HARD TO KNOW and FOLLOWCATO, I reckon we have an even better team this year.

THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE

The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).

Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month

Become a member today for just £1*

*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.

SIGN UP NOW

18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact [email protected]

Meetmebythesea could not be in any better order and I am a bit surprised he is not even shorter in the betting than around 7-2.

If he is anything like the horse we hope he will be then he should be winning this.

He has always showed us plenty and is three from three. Going up in trip is only going to help him, too.

Sandown is more of a test than where we have run him so far and that is another plus.

It’s easier said than done, but we have some big plans for him so today is an important day in his career and I’m very sweet on him.

It’s Hard To Know is no back number either and I’m shocked at his price of around 16-1 too. Ben Jones can’t wait to get on him.

I didn’t think he’d win the Challow but thought he would run a big race but he went out like a light three out and ran no race.

He’s a lot, lot better than that and he had some decent horses behind him at Lingfield when he got off the mark.

Followcato is a big chaser for the future and a tad more quirky than my other two and his jumping has let him down at times.

But he’s well handicapped and his runs at Wetherby and Aintree have both worked out pretty well.

A big field like this will suit him and we’ll try and get him running on late.

I’m hoping we see a much better KILL THE GROOVE (4.55 Hereford). She shows us a bit but ran a stinker at Warwick first time up.

She should be up to something like this but she’s one I’d be watching rather than backing.

I’m hoping we head into Cheltenham with another winner or two under the belt as the team are flying and there’s a real buzz about the yard at the moment.

My old boss Nicky Henderson is always a nervous wreck the days before Cheltenham.

You would try and steer clear of him to be honest!

But me, I’m a bit more relaxed, what will be, will be.

We’ve done what we can to get the horses ready and now you have to hope for a bit of luck.

It’s one hell of a week. We’re flat out from first thing in the morning to late at night — hopefully with a winner or two to celebrate.

The horses are ready and, while we don’t have a big-name star headed to Prestbury Park this year, I think we’ll be amongst it.

Diva Luna is sparkling again, I fancy both Pic Roc and Henry’s Friend in their handicaps and the only one we still have a slight question about is No Questions Asked.

He’ll probably run in the Martin Pipe but we have left him in the Turners.

Good luck everyone — I’ll see you in the Guinness Village.