UK Horse Racing Tips: Sandown

Badly disadvantaged by a high draw at Chester last time, KOLKATA KNIGHT looks worthy of another chance. The son of Cotai Glory made an encouraging reappearance at Wolverhampton in March and, given the form of his victory in a nursery at Haydock last term has worked out well, Tom Dascombe's sprinter gets the nod. Second in a Listed contest at Ayr last autumn, Our Cody looks on a workable mark for her handicap debut, while The Lost Sock has a bit to find with the selection but could still make the frame.
Prediction : 1st Kolkata Knight 2nd Our Cody 3rd The Lost Sock

NAPA won nicely at Newmarket at the start of the month. That form looks stronger in hindsight, given three subsequent winners have come out of the race, and it would be no surprise if Kevin Philippart De Foy's charge proved competitive at this level. Adaay Of Scarlett had the measure of Brocklesby winner A Bear Affair (third) when successful at Ascot and remains unbeaten. He could launch a strong challenge, while Where Love Lives made every yard at Thirsk on debut and is no forlorn hope.
Prediction : 1st Napa 2nd Adaay Of Scarlett 3rd Where Love Lives

The 2024 winner SWEET WILLIAM bids to repeat the dose. The seven-year-old looked as good as ever when coming out best in a fight to the line in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot on his reappearance and the runner-up Caballo De Mar has since boosted that form with a Group 1 victory in France. Third in the Yorkshire Cup, Epic Poet will likely run his usual solid race, while Lazy Griff is an intriguing runner. Second in last year's Derby, he placed again in the Irish equivalent and has to be of interest on his belated return.
Prediction : 1st Sweet William 2nd Epic Poet 3rd Lazy Griff

Charlie Appleby seems intent on winning this with four of the nine runners, including the unbeaten Nation's Hope, who may well race in the front rank alongside the Gosdens' Yazin. Both have solid claims with the likelihood there is improvement to come, but the race may be set up for TALK OF NEW YORK, presumably the pick of William Buick. A comfortable three-length winner at Newmarket in a first-time hood, the Wootton Bassett colt has only raced three times and could take this step back up in class in his stride.
Prediction : 1st Talk Of New York 2nd Nations Hope 3rd Yazin

OMBUDSMAN has already won three Group 1 contests and is officially rated 11lb superior to Almeric, who only gets 7lb from the Prince Of Wales's and Juddmonte International hero. The Gosdens' brilliant five-year-old was over 11 lengths in front of the Andrew Balding horse when runner-up in the Champion Stakes and it seems unlikely that form will be turned around. Arabian Light could go well, with Ryan Moore riding for Charlie Appleby.
Prediction : 1st Ombudsman 2nd Almeric 3rd Arabian Light

The unbeaten RAAMMEE has Royal Ascot potential and this will give his connections a good idea as to whether his Royal Hunt Cup entry will be his next step. The son of Persian King readily built on his successful Kempton debut when he won by 12 lengths at Newcastle. The absence since September is the only concern and any negativity in the betting would bring in the consistent Saytarr and Hickory as others to seriously consider.
Prediction : 1st Raammee 2nd Saytarr 3rd Hickory

Darzah, Brave Hunter and Suddenly I See all have scope for progression, although Blues And Royals is arguably more of a standout option having improved greatly since being gelded. However, he is yet to win on turf and after going up 5lb for the latest of his two Kempton successes, there are risks attached. Conversely, THE JOKER has proven that he can hold his own off his current mark and he could be a surprise package cutting back in trip at a course he has handled well before.
Prediction : 1st The Joker 2nd Blues And Royals 3rd Darzah