UK Horse Racing Tips: Sandown

PALLADIUM built on his narrow Warwick defeat to romp to an 11-length victory over course and distance last time, and Nicky Henderson's four-year-old could be the one to beat if handling the forecast testing conditions. Flic Ou Voyou is clearly a talented operator, but has suffered a few agonising defeats so far this term and may prefer a sounder surface. The consistent Golden Taipan completes the shortlist on his return to novice company.
Prediction : 1st Palladium 2nd Flic Ou Voyou 3rd Golden Taipan

Dolos won this 12 months ago and can't be ruled out despite finding himself 8lb higher this time, having not been disgraced in Graded company so far this season. Delire D'Estruval was only beaten a head over the track and trip last month and Daryl Jacob takes over on Ben Pauling's seven-year-old as he looks to build on that near miss. Caid Du Lin is only 3lb higher than when scoring on his penultimate start, while First Flow is capable of making his mark in the sphere. However, it is interesting that Sue Smith's JOKE DANCER makes the trip south and the gelding, who had won back-to-back handicap chases before disappointing over 2m4f in a Haydock Grade 2 recently, will appreciate the drop in trip and class.
Prediction : 1st Joke Dancer 2nd Dolos 3rd Delire DEstruval

CALL ME LORD threw his hat into the Champion Hurdle mix with victory in the International Hurdle in December. Ballyandy (second on that occasion) franked that form at Haydock recently and Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old can book his ticket to Cheltenham at a course he has a fantastic record at. Eldorado Allen's comeback run at this venue last month will have pleased all connected and there could be plenty still in the locker. Quel Destin was a high-class juvenile, but has questions to answer following a couple of lacklustre efforts.
Prediction : 1st Call Me Lord 2nd Eldorado Allen 3rd Quel Destin

LAURINA failed to fire over 2m1f at Leopardstown last time but the trip was too sharp for her on that occasion and the Grade 1-winning hurdler can be given another chance. Vision Des Flos only had to beat one rival at Chepstow last time but he was a talented hurdler and could give the selection plenty to think about. The consistent Good Boy Bobby should not be underestimated, while Midnight Shadow and Itchy Feet are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Laurina 2nd Vision Des Flos 3rd Midnight Shadow

Golan Fortune looks sure to be popular following his win at Cheltenham in November and is only 2lb higher than when second in this in 2018 following a 4lb rise. Bold Plan was a well-backed favourite when falling early at Ascot recently and the manner of his comfortable Haydock victory before that makes him interesting stepping up in trip. Ask Ben was a runner-up at Prestbury Park at the December meeting and has to be respected, while Ask Dillon wasn't disgraced when upped to a similar distance at Chepstow. Big Shark wasn't beaten far when narrowly missing out on a hat-trick on his handicap debut at Haydock. However, a chance is taken on COOLE CODY, who was two places behind Philip Hobbs' charge at the Merseyside venue. Cheekpieces are now tried on Michael Blake's nine-year-old, and he could get the run of the race from the front to go one better than his second in this 12 months ago, which came off a 6lb higher mark.
Prediction : 1st Coole Cody 2nd Golan Fortune 3rd Big Shark

In an open race the marginal preference is for LE ROCHER, who made an encouraging return to action when finishing second over 2m4f at Wincanton last month. The 10-year-old may be suited by this step back up in trip and his current mark is clearly workable. Last year's winner Classic Ben should go well once again off just 1lb higher, while Cloudy Glen and Ami Desbois are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Le Rocher 2nd Classic Ben 3rd Cloudy Glen

STICK WITH BILL was found out in Grade 1 company last time but the son of Oscar had previously won a maiden hurdle at Ffos Las and that form suggests that he may be underestimated by a mark of 124. Dublin Four has been knocking on the door of late and he should be in the mix once again, while the unexposed Iconic Muddle merits respect on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Stick With Bill 2nd Dublin Four 3rd Iconic Muddle