A star-studded afternoon of Flat racing takes place at Sandown on Friday 24th April for their Flat Season Opener. The bet365 Mile, Gordon Richards Stakes and Esher Cup all shine on the card.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers previews the day’s action, which is live on ITV Racing, and picks out his best bets for the day.
Sandown Racing Tips (Friday 24 April)
The first race is off at 1.20pm at Sandown on Friday, as seven races make up the card. It goes right through until 4:45pm, with quality, competitive action lighting up the Esher track.
1.50 Sandown – bet365 Esher Cup Handicap – Organise (1pt win – 7/4)
A taking winner of a Southwell novice stakes back in November, John & Thady Gosden’s Organise followed that up with another eye-catching win at Yarmouth. Now stepping into handicap company off a mark of 98, the Night Of Thunder colt is looking to make it three wins from three in the Esher Cup at 1.50pm. Facing an army of in-form, progressive rivals in this event, he will need to show more again, but he’s entitled to be wall fancied for this event and can land the hat-trick. He holds a Dante entry, so could show in this contest that he is a Group performer in the making. With bundles of class, he’s one that should continue on an upward curve and land this prize with aplomb.
2.25 Sandown – bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes – Saddadd (1pt win – 6/1)
Andrew Balding’s Almeric is a hot favourite for the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at 2.25pm, but he looks awfully short in a competitive-looking five-runner renewal. Roger Varian’s Saddadd already has a Sandown win on his CV, and the four-year-old Pinatubo colt could have huge improvement to come this season. A winner of a brace of handicaps at Newbury and Sandown, he ended last season with a third place finish in a listed Goodwood event. He holds entries in both the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Coronation Cup, so connections certainly feel he could be a classy middle distance performer this campaign. A winner on good to firm and soft, he should have no issues with the underfoot conditions, and he can cause a minor shock.
3.00 Sandown – bet365 Mile – Field Of Gold (1pt win – 11/8)
Majestic when storming to victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes last season, Field Of Gold will look to cement his place as one of the leading milers in training. John & Thady Gosden’s galloping grey is a warm order for the bet365 Mile at 3pm, and should prove a cut above. He disappointed in the second half of last season, but following a lengthy break he can return in fine style on Friday. Last year’s winner Dancing Gemini will be a notable rival, as will the unbeaten Zeus Olympios and Never So Brave. However, if Field Of Gold can show his best then he should cruise to victory.
3.35 Sandown – bet365 Classic Trial – Action (1pt win – 5/4)
The Futurity Stakes from last season has already seen its form given a huge boost following Oxagon’s fine victory in the Craven Stakes last week. Well, Action finished runner-up behind stablemate Hawk Mountain in the Doncaster Group 1 and the Aidan O’Brien-trained raider can kick on this season. Around a 16/1 shot for the Derby, at the time of writing, he lines up in the bet365 Classic Trial at 3.35pm. Third in the Royal Lodge prior to that contest, he has some top form in the book. He’s only tasted victory once, which came in a Galway maiden, but Action can land win number two here. Ryan Moore will take the ride and he rode the winner of this event last season, so the Ballydoyle pair can dominate this Group 3 once again.
Sandown Tips – Friday 24th April
1.50 Sandown – bet365 Esher Cup Handicap – Organise (1pt win – 7/4)
2.25 Sandown – bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes – Saddadd (1pt win – 6/1)
3.00 Sandown – bet365 Mile – Field Of Gold (1pt win – 11/8)
3.35 Sandown – bet365 Classic Trial – Action (1pt win – 5/4)
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Sandown – first race 13:20
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are Sandown’s Flat Season Opener tips?
Steve Chambers provides Sandown tips for the Flat Season Opener, which takes place on Friday 24th April
When were Sandown’s Flat Season Opener tips published?
The Sandown Flat Season Opener tips were published at 2.25pm on Wednesday 22nd April.
Who is Steve Chambers?
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 10 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
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