Welcome to the Silks and Shenanigans weekend preview! Grab your form book and a stiff drink; we’re heading to the mud-bath of Sandown and the speed-trap of Musselburgh for this Saturday’s action (January 31, 2026).
It’s one of those classic winter Saturdays where you’ll need a horse with the heart of a lion and the gills of a fish for the Esher slopes, while up north, they’ll be rattling along on much livelier ground.
The ground at Sandown is currently Soft (Heavy in places) on the Chase course and Heavy on the Hurdles. This isn’t just racing; it’s an aquatic event.
Timeform Best Bet: Mr Vango (15:42 Sandown)
If there was ever a horse “born in the bayou,” it’s Mr Vango. Sara Bradstock’s stayer thrives when the ground turns to chocolate pudding. Fresh off a massive second in the Becher Chase, he is the Timeform choice to outstay them all in the Masters Handicap Chase. He’s a relentless galloper who won’t mind the Sandown hill one bit.
🏰 Musselburgh: The Scottish Sprint
While Sandown is a slog, Musselburgh is often about tactical speed. The ground is currently Good to Soft, much more hospitable for those who like to skip across the surface.
Timeform Best Bet: Traprain Law (14:20 Musselburgh)
He was a bit of a bridesmaid in the Scottish Champion Chase last year, but Traprain Law looks primed for revenge. He’s running off a 3lb lower mark than last year and looked back to his best at Wetherby recently. He’s the highest-rated threat in a race where last year’s winner, The Kalooki Kid, looks a bit vulnerable under a penalty.
🏇 Sandown: The Mud-Slogger’s Paradise
Going: Soft (Heavy in places) , Expect high attrition rates and tired legs.
14:02 – Handicap Chase (Class 2, 1m 7f)
This is a real speed test in the mud. Haddex Des Obeaux is the class act but carries top weight, which is no joke in this ground.
- Timeform Best Rated: Haddex Des Obeaux (Rating: 151)
- Latest Odds: Jax Junior (10/3), Gunsight Ridge (9/2), Dr T J Eckleburg (5/1), Kotmask (6/1), Haddex Des Obeaux (14/1).
- The Insider Word: The buzz is around Dr T J Eckleburg. Evan Williams’ runner has been knocking on the door and gets a significant weight pull from the top one. If it becomes a war of nerves, he’s the one to be on.
15:10 – Masters Handicap Chase (Grade 2, 3m)
The big one. Stamina is the only currency that matters here.
- Timeform Best Rated: Kitzbuhel (Rating: 164)
- Latest Odds: Kitzbuhel (5/2), Mr Vango (4/1), Miami Magic (6/1), Sixmilebridge (8/1).
- The Stature: Kitzbuhel is a massive gray with a engine to match. Willie Mullins sending one over for this usually means they’ve found a “soft” target for a Grade 1 animal.
- Insider Opinion: Don’t ignore Mr Vango. One “insider” tip suggests the stable views him as a future National horse. He’ll keep galloping when the others have parked up.
🏰 Musselburgh: The Scottish Speedsters
Going: Good to Soft — Ideal for horses that like to skip, not slog.
13:43 – Scottish County Handicap Hurdle (Class 2, 1m 7f)
A very competitive handicap where the lead could change five times in the final furlong.
- Timeform Best Rated: Welsh Charger (Rating: 148) & Afadil (Rating: 150)
- Latest Odds: Williethebuilder (7/2), Afadil (4/1), Gibbs Island (14/1).
- The Stature: Kateira is the standout “name” here, though dropping back in trip is a question mark. She’s built like a tank and could simply outclass them if the pace is high enough.
- Insider Opinion: Gibbs Island at 14/1 is the value play. Katie Midwinter and other sharp analysts have flagged him as being “way ahead of his mark” if he can replicate his maiden form.
14:20 – Scottish Champion Chase (Class 2, 2m 4f)
A grudge match between last year’s top finishers.
- Timeform Best Rated: The Kalooki Kid (Rating: 155)
- Latest Odds: Insurrection (7/2), Teddy Blue (9/2), The Kalooki Kid (5/1), Traprain Law (6/1).
- Insider Opinion: While the market loves the youngsters, the “track-side” whisper is all about Traprain Law. He’s 4lb better off with The Kalooki Kid compared to last year’s run. It’s a classic “revenge” plot.
🏆 Summary of Best Rated Horses (Time-form)
Sandown
15:10
Kitzbuhel
164
Sandown
14:02
Haddex Des Obeaux
151
Musselburgh
14:20
The Kalooki Kid
155
Musselburgh
13:43
Afadil
150
The “Shenanigans” Double
If you’re feeling brave, a small double on Mr Vango (Sandown 15:10) and Traprain Law (Musselburgh 14:20) pays roughly 34/1. Not for the faint-hearted, but the stats back it up!
Time form best rated for today’s surviving cards:
• Musselburgh 13:43 – Welsh Charger: Holds a significant “Master Rating” edge over the field in this handicap hurdle.
• Lingfield 14:50 – Completely Random: The top-rated speed horse on the All-Weather today.
The Day’s Best (NAP): Bollin Thou (12:55)
Timeform analysts suggest even a 13lb rise in the weights may not stop this horse from completing a four-timer. He is the standout “short” price of the day.
• The Grade 1 Pick: Kitzbuhel (14:40)
Trained by Willie Mullins, this horse is the “obvious threat” in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase after a dominant display in a Grade 2 at Cork.
• The Track Specialist: Gunsight Ridge (14:02)
A past winner of this race (landed it last year off the same mark). He has exceptional track form (1-3-2-1) and is weighted to bounce back despite mediocre recent runs.
• The Value Play: Henri The Second (15:10)
Boasts an excellent record at Sandown. With conditions turning heavy, the step back up in trip is expected to suit him perfectly as he looks to go one better than his recent narrow defeat.
Silks and Shenanigans 