Weekend betting tips: Silent Bullet hard to beat at Sandown

Our tipster Karl Hedley tells you where to put your money this weekend

SATURDAY
2-55 BETFRED “HAT TRICK HEAVEN” SCURRY STAKES (LISTED) – 5 FURLONGS

Reroute could prove the answer in a typically competitive renewal of this cavalry charge. She was unlucky not to win a similar event at Bath on her seasonal reappearance when she got collared close to the finish by Ladies Are Forever. That run should have blown away any cobwebs and she should make a bold bid from her coveted low draw this afternoon. Hayley Turner once again takes the ride on the Ed Walker trained filly and they can make the most of the weight allowance that they receive from their male counterparts.

Strategical has won three of his last four starts for Godolphin. This is his first outing in almost ten months and if fit enough to do himself justice, he could serve up the most questions. He won a nursery over this course and distance last summer and now has the assistance of Richard Hughes in the saddle. Wind Fire is another with proven course and distance form. She has dropped three pounds in the ratings since she last won, but she has fared worst of all with a dreaded double digit stall. Reroute has always been held in high regard and she won’t mind this faster going. She looks the type to thrive throughout the summer and she can go well here.

YORK
3-15 IAN AND KATE HALL MACMILLAN GANTON STAKES (LISTED) – 1 MILE

Lockwood won at a higher level than this last season and following a decent reappearance last time out and he can go close under Kieren Fallon today. He chased home Breton Rock on that last occasion and that individual only just lost out in a Group Three contest at Haydock subsequently. Lockwood is fully entitled to come on for that recent run and he can reverse form with the re-opposing Custom Cut on this better ground.

Fencing is a solid performer at this level and he could well provide the biggest threat to the selection. John Gosden has his yard in excellent shape and with Frankie Dettori booked, the duo command respect. Dutch Rose is a course specialist and all of her four previous visits here have resulted in wins. She is unproven at this one mile trip though, despite quite a few attempts at it and that is a major concern. Lockwood is still relatively lightly raced and there should still be some further improvement to unlock.

3-50 BETBRIGHT CHARITY SPRINT – 6 FURLONGS

Almargo was impressive at Epsom last weekend when he virtually made all of the running. This slight step back in trip ought not to prove too much of an issue for the Mark Johnston trained runner as he has proven himself over it already at tracks such as Kempton and Lingfield. Joe Fanning rides him for only the second time today and if the ground continues to dry out they should prove a force to be reckoned with.

Eastern Impact is locally trained by Richard Fahey and the form of his latest win at Newmarket does look strong. He too shall appreciate this better going and having progressed with each run so far this 1season, he should be capable of getting in the mix once again. Zaraee was primed to win at Haydock on his racecourse debut last year. He has relatively little experience of competing in fields of this size and despite the excellent form of the Haggas yard, it may ultimately prove his undoing. The form of Danzeno’s last race has not really worked out and he looks poor value here. There are no significant races for Almargo at Royal Ascot next week and this is why his trainer has targeted this specific race. If allowed to dominate from the front he could well prove hard to peg back.

SANDOWN
4-05 TOTEPOOL.COM HANDICAP – 7 FURLONGS 16YDS

Silent Bullet was considered good enough to run against Group Three opposition last season and although he finished last of the eight runners, his run was better than it reads. Silvestre De Sousa is once again on board this three year old son of Exceed And Excel and they can make the most of this return to Handicap company.

Aertex comes here seeking a fourth consecutive win. Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes are always respected when they combine at this track and he may throw down the gauntlet to the selection. He certainly has a fitness edge on Silent Bullet and he has to be respected. Captain Bob is another who is taking a slight step down in class. He has already won this season but was thwarted by Legends Rising at Chester. He can confirm recent form with the re-opposing Erroneous on ground that will be much more to his liking. Meanwhile Galvanize has a lot more on his plate this afternoon than when landing a four runner race at Ripon last time. Silent Bullet should is rated a class above these and if returning to the same level of form he showed last year he ought to prove a tough nut to crack.