Why this horse can win at Sandown, Beverley and Chester

Our tipsters pick out their best bets for Saturday's ITV Racing action from Sandown, Beverley and Chester . . .

Thundering

1.30 Beverley: William Hill Silver Cup Handicap, 1m4f

By Jake Aldrich

Thundering’s form has been patchy of late but he remains 3lb below his last winning mark and shaped as if back in top form behind a couple of younger, progressive rivals last time. Walter Hartright is a big danger having had his runner-up effort in a Racing League handicap franked by the winner at York.

Thundering13:30 Beverley

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Jky: Hollie Doyle Tnr: Kevin Ryan

Spanish Blaze

1.50 Sandown: Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap, 7f

By Stuart Redding

Spanish Blaze has taken his form to a new high in 2024, with a course-and-distance win in June the obvious highlight. A mile looked to stretch him slightly at Goodwood in August and this is easier than the Newbury handicap he contested last time.

Spanish Blaze13:50 Sandown

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Jky: Trevor Whelan Tnr: Marcus Tregoning

Emaraaty Ana

2.05 Beverley: William Hill Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes, 5f Listed

By Jack Haynes

This looks a good opportunity for Emaraaty Ana to get back to winning ways. The easy ground went against him at Chester last time but he was far from disgraced when eighth in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and his proven stamina over further is a plus in a race with several prominent racers.

Emaraaty Ana14:05 Beverley

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Jky: Dougie Costello Tnr: Jamie Osborne

Tamfana

2.25 Sandown: Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes, 7f Group 3

By Jake Aldrich

This represents a big drop in grade for Tamfana, having raced at the top level on her last three starts. She didn’t seem to stay the 1m4f trip last time and should be suited by the drop back to a stiff mile. She can outclass these. Rolica is better than she showed in France last time and represents the biggest danger.

Tamfana14:25 Sandown

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Jky: Oisin Murphy Tnr: David Menuisier

Under Siege

2.40 Chester: Livescore Bet Handicap, 7½f

By Stuart Redding

Most of these look pretty exposed but Under Siege is the obvious exception. A third at Windsor in July was underwhelming but he showed promise behind smart pair Economics and Lead Artist in his first two starts and gained a confidence-boosting success at Chelmsford two weeks ago. There is more to come now that he has got his head in front. Recent track winner Yanifer is a threat.

Under Siege14:40 Chester

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Jky: David Probert Tnr: Andrew Balding

Sean

3.00 Sandown: Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap, 1m2f

By Jake Aldrich

Sean has hit the frame in competitive races on his last two starts, most recently looking unlucky not to finish closer at Windsor, and he can gain compensation here despite his big weight. Involvement may put up the strongest challenge from the Classic generation. He ran with credit in a higher grade in France and had previously shown progressive form in handicaps.

Sean15:00 Sandown

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Jky: Saffie Osborne Tnr: Jamie Osborne

Rajinsky

3.15 Chester: Virgin Bet Chester Stakes, 1m6½f Listed

By Jack Haynes

Rajinsky has a 398-day layoff to overcome but his record fresh suggests that should not be a major concern. Hugo Palmer’s stayer has form figures of 13411 after a 100-plus-day break. He has finished third and fifth in two runs at this track in the Chester Cup and beat Trueshan in the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham on his first start of last season. He might be underestimated.

Rajinsky15:15 Chester

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Jky: Jason Hart Tnr: Hugo Palmer

Royal Playwright

3.35 Sandown: Sky Bet Solario Stakes, 7f Group 3

By Stuart Redding

Several exciting prospects clash here and Royal Playwright is the one I fancy to emerge with an enhanced reputation. A half-brother to Saturday’s Group 3 winner See The Fire, he looked equally useful when making a successful debut at Salisbury in July. He can strike again before heading on to some of the autumn’s bigger juvenile heats. Matauri Bay and Field Of Gold are also capable of winning races of this standard before too long.