Today's Tote Placepot Tips for Sandown

Leg 1 Selections: Jilaijone, Beau Balko, Freddy Robinson 

The David Pipe-trained JILAIJONE made a successful stable debut in emphatic style at Fontwell, winning by seven-lengths, and has made the frame in both starts since. He should have more to come and is a key player, while BEAU BALKO beat a dual subsequent winner at Hereford and could bounce back if leaving a lesser-effort last time behind him. 

FREDDY ROBINSON has been highly tried in all three starts over hurdles, all of which have been in class two events. He ran well behind Afadil last time and gets into this off an extremely low-weight allied to dropping down a couple of grades as well. Brian Ellison’s charge has a stronger chance than his odds imply here in leg 1.

Leg 2 Selections: Llandinabo Lad, Bun Doran

A tricky race for leg 2 with all seven runners having some sort of a chance. LIANDINABO LAD showed good form over hurdles and shaped a lot better than the beaten margin suggested when fifth at Cheltenham last time behind Stage Star. This is easier, and under an expected positive ride back down in distance, this eight-year-old could make a bold bid from a mark that is well within his capabilities. 

BUN DORAN failed to fire at Warwick last month and perhaps age is starting to catch up with him but he has become too well-treated nowadays and gets on well with Johnny Burke. He is three-pounds below his last winning mark and has run well on his last two visits to this course too. If they go at a good pace, which is likely with Corrigeen Rock in the field, he could roll back the years. 

Leg 3 Selections: You Wear It Well, Touchy Feely

I am surprised YOU WEAR IT WELL isn't a clear favourite for this Grade Two event. Jamie Snowden’s charge is the clear highest-rated runner in the field at 133 compared to the next horse who is only rated 123, and brings the best form to the race, courtesy of her latest second at the highest level last time, which is a solid piece of form. 

She won three on the bounce previously, including her first two starts over hurdles and lost little in defeat when second to Hermes Allen in the Grade One Challow Hurdle when last spotted. This race presents an ease in grade and she therefore gets the main vote to come out on top with more to offer and this course sure to suit. 

TOUCHY FEELY placed in all three bumper starts and has taken well to hurdles, winning both of her outings in this sphere. She defied a penalty with something to spare at Ludlow last month and although this race demands plenty more improvement, that is a discount possibility as she is heading in the right direction. Nicky Henderson’s mare is the second choice. 

Leg 4 Selections: Texard, Broken Halo 

The Royal Artillery Gold Cup makes up leg 5 and I like the claims of two runners. Firstly, TEXARD, who is trained by David Pipe and warmed up for this with a spin at Leicester last time. He is only a couple of pounds higher than when beating Kauto The King by 28-lengths and should strip fitter for his latest effort as well. Nick Oliver might try to adopt front-running tactics and, if his mount gets into a nice rhythm, he could be tough to overhaul. 

Paul Nicholls has an interesting runner in the shape of BROKEN HALO, who also warmed up for this race with a spin over track and trip last time when eighth and Jody Sole takes the ride. This eight-year-old looks nicely treated on the pick of his form and has leading claims with his limit not yet reached for the champion trainer. 

Leg 5 Selections: Immortal 

IMMORTAL shaped with extreme promise when second to Authorised Speed over course-and-distance on his hurdles debut and while the winner has let the form since when down the field in the Tolworth Hurdle, Nicky Henderson’s charge could turn out to be an above-average prospect. He has undergone wind surgery since that eye-catching display and should prove hard to beat with improvement on the cards in leg 5. 

Leg 6 Selections: Zhuguli, Poppa Poutine 

Gary Moore’s ZHIGULI won twice over hurdles and has advanced his form since going chasing, in which he has recorded a couple of wins. He left his return effort behind him with a decent third at Kempton when last spotted and has a sound chance from a two-pounds lower mark in this race. 

POPPA POUTINE has been quite highly tried over fences and ran a really good race when fourth in a better race than this at Cheltenham last time on New Year’s Day. This race has a slightly easier look to it and the assessor has reduced his mark a pound, which can only help his chances. He is also one for the shortlist in leg 6.