Colour Squadron's set to take flight

Red alert: Colour Squadron can win the big race at Sandown tomorrow

10 April 2012

Colour Squadron can make the leap to Grade One level with victory in the 32Red Novices' Hurdle at Sandown tomorrow.

Winner of a Chepstow bumper on his debut in October, Colour Squadron was found slightly wanting when switched to hurdles at Newbury.

Trainer Philip Hobbs's six-year-old was beaten just half a length that day but the gelding did not enjoy the best of runs and his battling attitude was a positive as he finished second.

Colour Squadron then stepped up on that effort to claim victory back at Newbury last month, benefiting from both softer ground and a switch to front-running tactics.

This looks a competitive contest but Colour Squadron is open to any amount of improvement and the likely easy conditions will be in his favour.

Hold Fast made a satisfactory return when fourth on his seasonal bow and he can build on that in the 32Red Handicap Chase.

The eight-year-old is now with Paul Nicholls after winning two hurdles and a chase for Howard Johnson.

Hold Fast made a promising start for the champion trainer in a classy event at Newbury's Hennessy meeting in November, being beaten just seven lengths when finishing fourth.

His jumping looked a little rusty that day but it was an admirable effort on his first start in handicap company.

At Wincanton, Ashfield's Dream drops back in trip after finishing a creditable third over three miles at Newcastle last time. Trying the distance for the first time, the eight-year-old was just four lengths adrift of Hey Big Spender. The return to 2m 5f in the Bathwick Tyres Handicap Chase should suit.

Meanwhile, Richard Hughes has been banned for a month after being found guilty of 'foul riding' in India.

Hughes was judged to have elbowed a rival after suffering interference when riding Star Trainer in a seven-furlong event in Mumbai.

The Irishman disagreed with the punishment and tweeted: "They say I should have taken a check rather than hold my position, barmy."

Colour Squadron's set to take flight

Read More