UK Horse Racing Tips: Sandown

Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden teamed up to win this race with Knappers Hill last year and they appear to have fair claims of following up with KILLALOAN. The five-year-old gelding has been a cosy winner of his last three starts on varying ground conditions and can continue his upward trajectory to defy a 6lb rise for his latest victory. Under Control has been given a 7lb hike for an impressive win at Cheltenham nine days ago, when conceding weight all-round, and will appreciate underfoot conditions. Beau Balko was a comprehensive winner over C&D in February and was just headed in the final strides at Stratford earlier this month, so he's likely to be thereabouts.
Prediction : 1st Killaloan 2nd Under Control 3rd Beau Balko

Greaneteen has landed the last two renewals of this race in impressive fashion and looks sure to give another good account of himself. However, this prize may go across the Irish Sea to CAPTAIN GUINNESS, who was 24 lengths ahead of the former when runner-up in the Champion Chase last month and he looks the likeliest winner today. The Henry De Bromhead-trained gelding won a Grade 2 at Navan in November and narrowly edges the vote. Its fascinating that Nicky Henderson allows his top novice chaser Jonbon to line-up here in open company after a bloodless victory at Aintree a fortnight ago and he warrants the utmost respect.
Prediction : 1st Captain Guinness 2nd Greaneteen 3rd Jonbon

Last week's Scottish National hero Kitty's Light has been given the all clear from Christian Williams to bid for a quick-fire double today. He was third in this race last year off a 5lb higher mark and it would be some achievement should he succeed today, but he had a hard race at Ayr and is passed over in favour of REVELS HILL. He was last seen attempting to give the reopposing Coolvalla 5lb at Exeter last month, when going down by a length, and now meets that rival on better terms with underfoot conditions to suit, so he's fancied to turn the tables. Top-weight Frodon appears to have been kept fresh with this race in mind and isn't passed over lightly.
Prediction : 1st Revels Hill 2nd Kittys Light 3rd Frodon

A case can be made for several of these, but SOLO has been in good form of late and beat subsequent Grade 2 winner Datsalrightgino in the Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton in February. A stiffer stamina test may not be enough to stop him from following up here and he can deliver another bold showing. Fantastic Lady recorded a very respectable second in the Topham at Aintree earlier this month and she can give the selection plenty to think about, while the booking of Rachael Blackmore on Hewick catches the eye and he should not be dismissed.
Prediction : 1st Solo 2nd Fantastic Lady 3rd Hewick

Hudson De Grugy finished a neck in front of Quel Destin over C&D last month but Paul Nicholls' inmate can reverse the form now 2lb better off with that rival. However, his stablemate CAP DU MATHAN could be the one to side with, even though he has to shoulder top-weight on this occasion. He is now rated 5lb above his last winning mark but should not be taken lightly following a good second at Kempton last month. Quinta Do Mar is another to bear in mind up in trip from his latest success at Fontwell in February.
Prediction : 1st Cap Du Mathan 2nd Quel Destin 3rd Hudson De Grugy

Following an indifferent spell over the larger obstacles, the classy THYME HILL can regain the winning thread now back hurdling. Often a player at the highest level, his greatest triumph was arguably when winning the Liverpool Hurdle in 2021. With upwards of 2lb in hand on official ratings, he can defeat both Goshen and Knappers Hill, from whom the son of Kayf Tara receives 6lb. Theatre Glory came up short in the Mares' Hurdle last month, but she gets all the allowances today and can't be ruled out, while multiple course winner Call Me Lord is far from out of this too.
Prediction : 1st Thyme Hill 2nd Knappers Hill 3rd Goshen

A ready winner of the Imperial Cup here last month, it would be no surprise were Iceo to progress further for the red-hot champion trainer, but preference is for stablemate SAMARRIVE. Last year's winner reappeared with a good third at Ascot in February, and is essentially 1lb lower than for that success 12 months ago when factoring in Freddie Gingell's 7lb claim. Erne River ought to be capable of mounting a serious challenge, while at the foot of the handicap, El Muchacho merits respect.
Prediction : 1st Samarrive 2nd Iceo 3rd Erne River