UK Horse Racing Tips: Sandown

The Good Doctor sets a decent standard with an official rating of 125 and he must be respected following Boxing Day's Fontwell triumph, but a chance can be taken on PEKING OPERA. Last seen finishing third in behind the classy Vauban in the Group 3 Ballyroan on the Flat, having been far from disgraced in a couple of Group 1 events earlier in the year, he'll likely prove tough to beat if taking to this new discipline. Jaitroplaclasse is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Peking Opera 2nd The Good Doctor 3rd Jaitroplaclasse

An opening mark of 124 looks more than fair based on what JINGKO BLUE achieved in a couple of novice hurdles, and Nicky Henderson's charge is fancied to prove how lenient it is now sent handicapping. Diplomatic Ash bumped into the 126-rated Idy Wood at Plumpton 12 days ago so he merits a similar amount of respect with that in mind, while Onethreefivenotout appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Jingko Blue 2nd Diplomatic Ash 3rd Onethreefivenotout

SAINT SEGAL found only a resurgent First Flow too strong at Lingfield last time out and the six-year-old would appear to hold every chance of going one better from an unchanged mark. That said, In Excelsis Deo has proven himself to be a consistent performer over the larger obstacles and he's likely to give him plenty to think about. Harper's Brook can chase the pair home.
Prediction : 1st Saint Segal 2nd In Excelsis Deo 3rd Harpers Brook

HERMES ALLEN made the perfect start to life over fences with a comfortable defeat of Nickle Back in the John Francome at Newbury following an interrupted preparation, before facing a potential star at Kempton. Although tasting defeat to Il Est Francais, the experience gained shouldn't be lost on him and without a rival of that calibre in opposition, this represents an ideal opportunity to gain another success at the highest level. Le Patron has improved plenty for the switch to the larger obstacles and caused a surprise in the Henry VIII here. He got the better of Colonel Harry, who has since franked the form by winning the Towton at Wetherby, and the pair are likely to be closely matched again. Djelo was unlucky at Lingfield as he was essentially knocked over at the first fence, while Nickle Back is likely to ensure there will be no hiding places on the front end.
Prediction : 1st Hermes Allen 2nd Le Patron 3rd Colonel Harry

ED KEEPER burst onto the scene as a progressive type when impressing at Newbury, before running with plenty of credit to finish third at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. A mistake at the last cost him valuable momentum, but the six-year-old appears capable of further improvement, despite the handicapper raising him another 5lb. West Balboa commands the utmost respect back in handicap company having disappointed when sent off favourite for the Long Walk at Ascot. She showed her very best in similar contests last season, especially when dominating proceedings at Aintree in the spring, and Tristan Durrell's 3lb claim aids her cause further. Recent Ludlow winner Saint Davy and Transmission, who once again teams up with Joe Anderson after their unbelievable recovery/victory at Plumpton, are others with viable credentials.
Prediction : 1st Ed Keeper 2nd West Balboa 3rd Saint Davy

A taking winner of the Badger Beer last November and a respectable fourth in a valuable contest at Ascot since, BLACKJACK MAGIC sets the standard as he looks to notch up a fourth victory over fences. The progressive nine-year-old gets the vote ahead of easy Sussex National winner Dom Of Mary, as well as the in-form Kestrel Valley, who has scored on four of her last five starts. Fortescue has hinted at a return to his best form on both starts this season, while Bangers And Cash is another dour stayer to note.
Prediction : 1st Blackjack Magic 2nd Dom Of Mary 3rd Fortescue

A comfortable winner of a decent contest at Ffos Las on debut last November, JUBY BALL looks a five-year-old with potential, and the fact his half-brother Fifty Ball won here is a plus. The booking of James Bowen is significant and he is narrowly preferred to Touquet, who scored over C&D on debut in November, and easy Haydock scorer San Frandisco. Wellington Arch is another open to improvement on the back of a promising third at Ascot.
Prediction : 1st Juby Ball 2nd Touquet 3rd San Frandisco