A STINKER of a cold has not helped in picking this week's selections but a bit of study in the Flared Nostril (very sore!) threw up a couple of names worth looking at.
BOHEMIAN SPIRIT does not have a flashy profile - as yet - but gets the vote in the 1.35 at Sandown. HG says it's a bit of a tough call as we're passing over CHILLING PLACE, one of our early-season selections, and HASTY PRINCE and JERICO are no mugs, but 5lb claimer Miss Davidson can carry the day. Sentiment wins with STRAW BEAR. Here at the Nostril we just love this horse and hope it will be good enough to run in the Champion. This is climbing up sheer ice against DETROIT CITY, says Ishmael , but we can BEAR it.There's a bit of an animal theme creeping in with our next selection, TURTLE SOUP, but soft ground and a breakneck pace mean staying is the name of the game and this horse will last the course. But there are worries that TARANIS is thrown in at the weights on what he has achieved over fences.
We tipped MOUNTAIN last week, on account of Restless's hint, but this highly-rated Flat horse was pulled out of a Cheltenham engagement. He carries plenty of confidence in the 1pm race at Sandown though the forecast of 6-4 is sure to have gone and evens may be the best on offer.
We never meantion EXOTIC DANCER ....he's just made a lot of people look very silly.