The final day of the jumps season and it has been another rewarding one. Our summer campaign starts next week, more on that later.

Two races from Sandown for us to briefly look at this afternoon. The going is now Good to Soft.

1.50 2m bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (4yo+)

A maximum of twenty runners entered for the opener.

Ar Mest is fairly handicapped in a wide open race. He is expected to appreciate conditions and should figure.

Currently a general 14/1. Some firms are offering to pay quarter odds the first five.

2.25 2m6½f bet365 Oaksey Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) (5yo+)

All of these have something to prove after being below form of late.

A top form Top Notch would be very difficult to beat.

I price the leading contenders as follows:

Top Notch  13/8

Art Maures 4/1

Double Shuffle 4/1

Alcala  7/1

16/1 bar

The books have Top Notch in at around 5/4 with Double Shuffle second best at 11/4.

Latest news & Summer campaign

Both our strongest bets so far this week have been successful including our only bet yesterday, a lay of odds-on favourite Samcro. On my ratings I could not have Samcro at odds-on. He has all the makings of a top class performer but the short price on offer was based on potential and maybe too much hype rather than a record of form shown at the very highest level. Thankfully both Samcro and Melon were fine after their falls and so were the riders.

Our five month summer season gets underway next week. During the summer I concentrate on higher quality flat and summer jumps. Last year between May and September we recorded a profit on stakes of over 50% on all bets. For more details and membership options take a visit to my website: www.slh.co.uk

Currently you can get a significant discount against standard terms. Put your betting on truly professional level.

As I reported last week, this blog will now be taking a break. My thanks for your visits over the past months.

We are going to look at the two major races at Sandown this afternoon, both will be significant yardsticks for the season.

The going is Good to Soft and whilst a dry day is forecast, the temperature is not expected to get above 3 Celsius after being below zero overnight. As usual, I will be getting a first-hand course report in time to brief members with my betting plans later this morning.

A further inpection is planned for 10 a.m. but officials are very optimistic that racing will go ahead.

1.45 1m7½f  randoxhealth.com Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)

A cracking novice chase with all five runners capable of winning further races.

Brain Power made a big impression on chase debut at Kempton.

He looks sue to be a big player come the ‘spring festival’ meetings.

Finian’s Oscar is also a top class prospect.

However, he could be vulnerable dropping back to 2 miles against a horse of the class of Brain Power.

On my private tissue I have them provisionally priced as follows:

Brain Power           13/8

Finian’s Oscar        5/2

Capitaine                13/2

North Hill Harvey  7/1

Sceau Royale         12/1

2.55 1m7½f Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)

Fox Norton sets a very high standard and looks to be still progressing. His reappearance win at Cheltenham was impressive.

The only negative I can find is that he’s possibly better going left-handed. He had to be hard ridden to win at right-handed Punchestown last season, but even so that form is high class.

Of the opposition Sir Valentino looks to be overpriced. Currently around 20/1 with the books. He returned to form on latest start and is expected to run well.

My early tissue:

Fox Norton       4/6

Politologue       11/2

Sir Valentino    13/2

Ar Mad             20/1

San Benedeto  25/1

Charbel             25/1

Peter Walwyn MBE

The sad news was announced yesterday that Peter Walwyn had died. Like many others I would like to pay tribute to one of the true greats of horse racing. His achievements as a trainer are legendary.

I first met Peter and his wife, known to all as ‘Bonk’ at Newbury many years ago. My first and lasting impression of Peter was of his warmth and passion for racing.

We met and spoke over the ‘phone numerous times over the years and I was always impressed by his knowledge and forward thinking.

Lambourn and racing generally owes this man of his word a huge debt of gratitude in so many areas.

He has laid a foundation for significant advancement in racing welfare and inclusiveness which I hope will be taken forward in his name.

Delightful company and a true gentleman. I will miss him.

Four afternoon and two evening meetings across Britain today. Five report their ground on the firm side of good, whilst the evening meeting at Carlisle bucks the trend with good to soft going.

We go to Sandown today for two races including the Eclipse.

2.25 1m Coral Challenge (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)

One of our old favourites Gm Hopkins heads the weights here and runs off only a 1lb higher than his Royal Hunt Cup winning mark.

El Hayem is a noted horse. Can be forgiven disappointing run on soft ground latest start.

Worth a close look in competitive race. Current 8/1 is fair.

3.35 1m2f (1m1f209y) Coral-Eclipse (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Cliffs of Moher can give a boost to the Epsom Derby form.

Dropping back in trip will suit.

Doubt about Barney Roy being as effective over this distance.

I would want at least 9/4 for Cliffs Of Moher.

Another good winner for my All Weather team yesterday. As with my work, the service is founded upon selective value led betting. So far this year the record stands at over £1,000 profit to £50 level stakes.

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Please note that there will not be a blog next week.