COLOUR SQUADRON TO BE TAUGHT DIFFERENT TACTICS

COLOUR SQUADRON could have a set of different tactics thrown upon him by trainer Philip Hobbs after finishing runner-up in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown.

Captain Conan beat the six-year-old by a short-head in the Grade One. It was Colour Squadron's fourth start of his career.

He looked set to finish the race in first place as he did well to make all the running, but he hung badly over the last two jumps which allowed the French import to beat him in the final 100 yards.

CAPTAIN CONAN HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE IN HURDLES

CAPTAIN CONAN has a positive future ahead of him after winning the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown today.

Nicky Henderson's horse galloped to victory beating Philip Hobbs' Colour Squadron, and Paul Nicholls' Prospect Wells.

Captain Conan, ridden by Barry Geraghty, set off at 9-1, while Prospect Wells was a favourite to win. 

Colour Squadron looked set to end Hobbs' 'phantom' season but threw away his chance by hanging badly along the final furlongs.

MY SELECTIONS FOR SANDOWN - SATURDAY 7 JANUARY 2012

13:00 - Kaffie
A horse that's heading in the right direction. Has won last two races and in for a shot today.


13:35 - Soliwery 
Should improve now in Henderson's yard. Has run well recently and in for a good chance.


14:05 - Exacta (reverse): All For Free
                                        Rileyev
All for Free could complete a hat-trick today and is travelling comfortably in races. Rileyev was second at Cheltenham and deserves some recognition for it in this race.


14:35 - Prospect Wells
With Walsh as jockey the horse is destined to do well. Ran well at Ascot last month and deserves to win again here. Magnifique Etoire is just behind but needs to step up to beat Nicholls.


15:10 - Tricast (any order):  Master Of The Hall
                                             Exmoor Ranger
                                             Hold On Julio
Master Of The Hall previously won at Aintree and deserves to be in for a shot. Exmoor Ranger's jumping has improved and proved himself at Ascot in October. Hold On Julio produces a fantastic record and has won comfortably over here before on his debut.


15:45 - Afsoun
Reliable veteran who deserves to do well. Backed this horse many times before and did well to win at Newcastle.

CAN PROSPECT WELLS WIN SANDOWN'S TOLWORTH HURDLE?

ENTERING Prospect Wells in tomorrow's Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown was an 'afterthought', claimed Graham Wylie.

Paul Nicholls' superb Flat performer has made a brilliant debut to his hurdling career and he currently stands as a favourite for the 2Red Hurdle Novices' Hurdle.

The seven-year-old horse finished runner-up at Cheltenham, behind Steps To Freedom, before another win at Newbury.

His first race over hurdles saw him finish in first place at Chepstow. 

Even though it was admitted that the gelding should have some time away from racing after his creditable fourth in The Ladbroke at Ascot, it has been decided the horse should run in tomorrow's race with Ruby Walsh on board.

HOBBS CONFIDENT HE CAN END 'PHANTOM' SEASON WITH COLOUR SQUADRON

PHILIP Hobbs hasn't had the best season compared to other trainers: Paul Nicholls' season has been superb thanks to champion chasers Kauto Star and Big Bucks; Nicky Henderson's Long Run has placed him firmly back in the spotlight; and Alan King aims to win with Medermit.

Yet Hobbs believes that Colour Squadron is an ideal horse to win Sandown's Tolworth Hurdle.

The six-year-old is Hobbs' promising hurdler, and the trainer is confident that he can make up for his 'phantom' season by winning the Grade One Hurdle on Saturday.

The horse has only had three starts, but can Hobbs prove that his gelding is showing the benefit of having been in full training for a whole season without actually racing?