3:30 Sandown Tips

Marche d'Aligre finished last of 14 on its final start last season but came back from a 203-day break with a very encouraging run against a progressive horse. Should come on for that run, with the stable in very top form, and has ground and trip to suit to go one better in this.

Two good wins this year, and I can see more improvement likely from the switch to softer going and Twiston-Davies taking over again. Can go close.

Having progressed since being sent over hurdles, this Flat winner won at Worcester in September and finished an excellent 2nd in a handicap at Huntingdon 24 days ago. With a tongue-tie now added, he is certainly one to consider, and the reasonable each-way odds are likely to result in a profit.

Consistent performer who was disappointing last time but did finish 2nd on seasonal reappearance in October. Each-way chance if finding that form.

Knight Templar got involved late on in a 4yo handicap hurdle at Exeter, and it wasn't a race that suited hold-up tactics. Showed significant improvement from the previous start, and there could be more to come. Winner over hurdles at Kempton a year ago and twice a Flat winner for this small yard of Robert Stephens (career strike rate of 10%) in staying handicaps. A possible in this Class 4 handicap hurdle.

Fight My Fire did win a C4 maiden in Oct and followed up with a C3 third last month. I expected a higher opening mark because of that success, but I will take the 112 on this handicap debut and an each-way now back in C4.