Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Sandown & Perth Tips
FRIDAY RACING TIPS
Sandown 1.50 – Esher Cup
Thunder Wonder (10/3 fav) carries a 6lbs penalty but is still 4lbs well-in after his impressive win at Musselburgh last weekend.
Provided he’s OK after the short turnaround, he’s clearly a horse on the upgrade and looks the one to beat.
Worryingly for his rivals, I actually think Sandown might suit him even better than Musselburgh did, so he looks a solid favourite based on that.
Megan’s Tips: Thunder Wonder WIN
Perth 2.05 – Highland National
I think Lucinda Russell’s If Not For Dylan (6/1) has a good chance here.
I know he’s a 10-year-old but he won this in 2023 for a different yard and has only run twice since.
He’s had a nice break since a good win at Newcastle last time and he should still be competitive off a 4lbs higher mark.
Megan’s Tip: If Not For Dylan WIN
Sandown 2.25 – Gordon Richards Stakes
Almaqam (9/4 fav) was progressive as a three-year-old and his form stacks up really well.
He ran a cracker when second in the Prix Dollar in October when last seen and we know he goes well at Sandown having bolted up in the Heron Stakes here last May.
Ed Walker’s horses have really hit form in recent days and providing this horse is ready to go, I think he’s the one with the most upside.
I actually thought Arabian Crown (4/1), despite not being ridden by William Buick, might be the one of Charlie Appleby's that runs best and I'm not surprised there has been some money for him.
Megan’s Tip: Almaqam WIN
Perth 2.40 – Novices’ Handicap Chase
It could be a good day for Lucinda Russell as I’m going for her Wal Buck’s (SP) here.
He was impressive at Haydock two starts back where he got into a good rhythm out in front and that looks key to him as his jumping fell apart when pressured for the lead at Uttoxeter last time.
Hopefully this time he can dominate on the front end and I can see him being hard to pass in a race that tactically could set up well for him.
Megan’s Tip: Wal Buck’s WIN
Sandown 3.00 – bet365 Mile
It’s Lead Artist (10/3) for me in the Mile.
Dropping back in trip looks a positive for him and he didn’t do much wrong in Bahrain last time.
He’ll love the drying ground, the yard is in top form and Kieran Shoemark is riding out of his skin at the moment, so everything looks poised for a big run.
I don’t see any reason why he won’t be fully wound up for this, which might not be the case with Tamfana (7/2), who looks to have a tough test on her hands against the boys on her first start of the campaign.
You’d expect her to step forward plenty for this and the each-way one could be Haatem (5/1).
He’s seriously talented and seriously tough and Richard Hannon won’t be coming here for a day out.
He’ll improve for it, no doubt, but I can see him running really well despite that and he never seems to not run his race.
Megan’s Tip: Lead Artist WIN; Haatem EW
Sandown 3.30 – Classic Trial
Finally in the Classic Trial, I’ll go with Windlord (15/8).
The step up to 10 furlongs looks like it will be a big help to him and he looks the type to improve as a three-year-old.
His form has been strong throughout and his run in the Beresford Stakes on his final start of the campaign looks very strong form with the winner and runner-up now both tasting success at Group One level.
He was outpaced at the Curragh so this longer trip should be more suitable and I just preferred him to Swagman (3/1) who has very similar form lines.
Andrew Balding’s horses are flying and his runner looks sure to go well at this 1m 2f trip.
Megan’s Tip: Windlord WIN
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation