1:50 Sandown Tips

A Major Payne is due a win as Michael Bell's gelding has hit the post a few times. This will still need things to drop with the style of running, but this could be the day.

Nice run last time out only in his second run of the season, fits in nicely here for this event, and with nothing outstanding in the lineup, his chances are sound.

Atlantis Blue is a 6-year-old gelding trained by George Baker and ridden by the excellent Mr. Simon Walker. With 31 wins out of 147 in recent years, boasting a 21% win strike rate, he is a two-time winner and sits 2lb above his last winning handicap mark of 71. He is a two-time winner on good to firm and firm ground but seems ground versatile, so today's good ground shouldn't hold any fears. Atlantis Blue has also won twice over today's mile. He has run once at Sandown off a mark of 73 and was quite unlucky to be beaten by 2.75 lengths under Jim Crowley, as it took two attempts to take the hood off out of the gates, so the track seems to suit. Sandown is quite a stiff track, which should suit a winner at Bath over today's trip, and he has finished runner-up on three occasions over further. With conditions to suit, Atlantis Blue is my short-priced banker of the day.

Well-handicapped based on old form ??' previously rated much higher in stronger company. Drops into Class 4, facing lesser rivals than in his prime. Consistent recent efforts and a low weight (10-5) in amateur rider race ??' these can throw up surprise results. Has placed in 11 of 38 starts, suggesting he runs his race often. Odds shortening, giving market support.

A 3-time career winner who has consistently been running well since last autumn, having won twice over a mile since then. The first was at Chelmsford in December and the last at Yarmouth in April. Finished well into 4th at Newmarket last time out 12 days ago and still looks fairly handicapped. Will likely finish as well as anything if the race is run at a fast pace.