UTOPIE DES BORDES bids to make it two wins from two starts for trainer Nicky Henderson at Sandown on Friday but faces some tough opposition in the Listed Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (2.25).

Owned by Simon Munir, Utopie Des Bordes was a less than convincing winner on her debut for Henderson at Doncaster earlier this month having been purchased for €255,000 in November.

Stepping up in grade on Friday, she faces a stiff task with the Willie Mullins-trained Twigline and the Donald McCain-trained She Ranks Me among the five other runners.

Henderson said: “She had a successful introduction at Doncaster and that was part of the plan to lead us into this race. Her form in France would suggest this longer trip and softer ground will be to her advantage. She stays well.

“She ran only 11 days ago, but she was successful after briefer intervals between races in France.”

Sandown is one of five meetings on Friday along with Fakenham over jumps and all-weather fixtures at Lingfield, Dundalk and Wolverhampton.

Going:
Sandown: Chase – soft, good to soft in places; Hurdles – heavy, good to soft in places
Fakenham: Good to soft, soft in places
Lingfield: Standard
Wolverhampton: Standard
Dundalk: Standard

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