1.50pm Sandown Tips & Betting Preview 07/07/2017

A field of ten go to post for the first race of the day at Sandown on Friday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Zac Brown continues to improve on the turf and is still well weighted on his all weather exploits, so he should be making his presence felt, but this can go to SEEKING MAGIC for Clive Cox. His wins have all come over further but he has the speed for this trip and he finished a good third at Nottingham on his latest start, with the handicapper dropping him another pound. William Cox takes off a further seven and his claims are obivous with conditions to suit. Although completely exposed, if bouncing back Tomily could be a good each way play for Richard Hannon.

1 TOMILY – Firmly exposed at this stage for Richard Hannon, winning back in February at Lingfield in a conditions event and he has been well held since then. He was last seen at Windsor in a handicap, finishing fourth and beaten around six lengths, with the handicapper not relenting. Hard to see him playing a role if in the same form again and others make far more appeal for win purposes despite Ryan Moore taking the ride.

2 DIRECT TIMES – Returns from 706 day absence which is immediately of big concern as it will be a hugely impressive training performance if he can get him back at his peak for this. He was last seen finishing fifth at Goodwood in the Stewards’ Sprint Stakes, which was a big effort considering he was hampered and he returns on a three pound lower mark. Clearly very well handicapped if back at his best, so the market is the best guide.

3 SEEKING MAGIC – All of his wins have come over further but this nine year old does have the speed for the trip, finishing second over five furlongs at Wolverhampton in November and he’s now three pounds lower. He wasn’t disgraced when last seen at Nottingham when finishing third off this mark and if builidng upon that, he should be tough to beat. William Cox takes off seven pounds which is all the better and he needs the uptmost respect.

4 KASBAH – Inconsistent sort who won at Lingfield on the all weather back in January, though he clearly isn’t as good on the turf, as shown by the fact he’s nine pound lower on the grass. He was well beaten on his latest start at Goodwood, finishing last and on that basis you’d struggle to make a coherent case for him. He’s got a good draw which may help but others make far greater appeal.

5 LOVE ON THE ROCKS – Both wins gained at Bath in firmer ground and she didn’t do her chances much help when well beaten at York in May, though this is easier. She has the widest stall though which puts her on the back foot and a mark of 88 demands more from this Charlie Hills’ four year old. May just struggle to land a blow on this occasion under David Probert and others make more appeal on this occasion.

6 QUEEN IN WAITING – Mark Johnston filly who won on her penultimate start at Newmarket back in June, making all in good style and the race didn’t go her way at Chester when last seen. She broke poorly and had to settle in the rear, keeping on strongly towards the finish but never able to mount a challenge. She should have more to give off a mark of 92 and if breaking well from a wide draw, she could make these pay from the front. Fascinating contender and has to be respected.

7 SHAMSHON – Course and distance winner who has been below his best this season for Stuart Williams, last seen at York where he was a poor twelfth. That said, he’s now five pounds below his last winning mark and Andrea Atzeni takes the ride, which is certainly an eye catching jockey booking. Market support would make him even more interesting and he’s one to consider for each way placings with conditions to suit.

8 ZAC BROWN – Rated sixteen pounds higher on the all weather for Charlie Wallis, but he’s proven the last twice he’s more than capable on the turf and is very well weighted to continue improving. He won on his penultimate start at Goodwood in June before another brave effort to finish second at Musselburgh, keeping on well but hampered by a slow start. Should to be on the premises again if continuing to improve and he merits respect.

9 SEVE – Useful performer on his day including a win over course and distance, but his stable debut for Karen George ended in a poor sixth at Chelmsford. He’s only down two pounds in the handicap and although it puts him only a pound above his last winning mark, others look far more likely with how poor he’s been of late.

10 FETHIYE BOY – Two pounds wrong under a penalty for Ronald Harris, making all at Bath nine days ago. This however is much tougher and more is needed, though he is drawn well and Ryan Powell takes the ride, so he couldn’t be completely discounted for each way placings.