Three Weekend Eye-catchers - 10/12/18

Sandown’s other grade one on the card produced a performance that certainly went into punter’s notebooks, as Dynamite Dollars claimed his maiden top level success.

The race was meant to be about Lalor cementing his position as favourite for the Arkle at Cheltenham. However, the torrential conditions meant that he got stuck in the mud, whereas his counterpart revelled in them.

Dynamite Dollars reversed the form with Lalor from his last start with authority. While he may not be touted in the same calibre as some of the previous winners of this race, he has the profile to keep on improving and cash in in some valuable prizes along the way for trainer Paul Nicholls.

Heartbreakingly ruled out of the Grand National on the morning of the race, Walk in the Mill went some way to avenging his luck when powering clear to success over the national fences. #

The Robert Walford-trained eight-year-old never looked in doubt to lose this and was foot perfect over the fences – a statement only a few horses can boast.

With optimum age on his side, he is almost guaranteed to get into the big one back in Liverpool in April with a nice weight. All roads will lead to the National now, and given his experience and likeable nature, he heads there with a strong chance. However the becher Chase/Grand National double hasn’t been completed ever in the same Jumps season.

In a season scattered with potentially smart novice chaser’s, Bags groove threw his hat into the ring with a supremely easy performance at Huntingdon.

Giving weight all round and 5lbs to his nearest rival – Thomas Campbell – the seven-year-old demolished his opposition from the front to register a nine-length success.

He’s now three from four over fences for Harry Fry and has a grade two success to his name too. The next logistical step will be to test the waters in grade one company. Due to his tendency to make-all, it could just be the case he gallops his rivals into submission in a race such as the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on Boxing Day.