Rock Gone shaped well when runner-up on seasonal reapperance and looks nicely treated on the pickof his form, so looks worth a bet at 13/2 in the Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Sandown today (3.00).
Dr Richard Newland’s 11-year-old has only had six starts over fences, winning once and twice making the frame. The success came in a novice chase at wetherby two years ago where he beat Actinpieces by a neck off an official rating of 135.
Rock Gone went on to run very well at the Cheltenham Festival two starts later when seventh of 24 to subsequent Grade 1 winner Road To Respect in a hot Grade 3 handicap off a mark of 136.
He also posted a solid effort when a 4 1/2 length second of 16 to Go Conquer in the same grade at Ascot, again off 136, and is now able to race off 1lb lower.
His current rating of 135 gives him major claims from a handicapping perspective on the nd his return to action when second of 11 to Loose Chips over course and distance in November was full of promise.
Rock Gone made a couple of costly errors before wekaneing late on to be beaten 11 lengths and now meets the winner, who had the benefit of a previous outing on 8lb better terms.
He looks sure to come on for that and has his ideal underfoot conditions, so everything looms in place for a huge run.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Rock Gone (13/2 bet365, Betfair, BetVictor, William Hill, Unibet – BOG)