Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase

An élan for jumping fences and abundant stamina are the two key attributes required to land the Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase, held at Sandown on Saturday (4.00), and none exemplify those traits more so than BATHWICK ANNIE, who rates an outstanding bet at 6/1, offered by VCBet.The Paul Keane-trained mare was not putting her best foot forward earlier in the season, but the intervention of Edinburgh-based 'horse whisperer' Charlotte Watt, who diagnosed Bathwick Annie with an over-active thyroid, has set the scene for a rather unique rehabilitation which, regardless of personal opinions regarding such methods, has clearly worked the oracle.The nine-year-old followed a nine-length demolition of Whitenzo over 3m 1½f at Wincanton, by making all and jumping her rivals into submission when proving eight lengths too good for Zaffamore over that same course and distance next time. She has been raised 9lb for the latter success - which means she is now collectively 18lb higher than when registering the former victory - but such is the scale of her improvement it would be folly to think that the handicapper has her measure yet.Bathwick Annie jumps at speed with distinctive aplomb, suggesting that she will be very well suited to these testing fences, while her proven stamina and ability to gallop relentlessly will prove invaluable when faced with the unique gradients of Sandown's gruelling home straight.Boy's Hurrah has won over this course and distance the last twice, including when making most of the running en route to beating Moving Earth by three-lengths off a 6lb lower mark last time, a mark which still leaves Howard Johnson's charge 5lb out of the handicap proper, assuming those at the head of the weights stand their ground. He is a progressive sort, but this race is a lot tougher than any he has encountered before and I doubt he will be good enough.Perhaps a bigger threat will be posed by the unexposed Heros Collonges, an ex-French-trained gelding who is now in the care of Paul Nicholls.The ten-year-old had a spin over hurdles last time to blow away the cobwebs - his first start for the best part of three years - and understandably looked ring-rusty, trailing home last of five behind No Refuge in a Grade 2 contest at Warwick.Prior to his lengthy injury-induced absence, Heros Collonges had looked a horse of some potential and it would be no surprise if he were to give a good account.Another that figures prominently in the market is the Martin Pipe-trained novice Control Man, who chased home L'ami at Warwick last time. His form is solid enough to suggest that he could go well; however, the fact that there are a number of horses in the field that like to force the pace means that he will not have his own way up front, and whether or not his jumping will pass muster is debatable, as is the question of whether he will see out this trip on such a stiff course.