Sandown Tips: Thursday 23 July 2026

Sandown Tips: Thursday 23 July 2026

A compact seven-race card at Sandown today, with the feature races centred on two-year-old fillies in a Listed contest and a pair of juvenile maiden stakes. The going is unconfirmed as of writing, so keep an eye on the official declaration closer to racing. Ralph Beckett has been in exceptional form over the past fortnight, striking at a 26% rate from 47 runners, and his horses are worth tracking throughout this card. Harry Charlton, who holds a 21% strike rate at this track and an A/E of 1.32, is another trainer to watch wherever he saddles runners at Sandown.

2:25 — Martin Densham & Peter Deal Memorial British EBF Maiden Stakes (7f)

Selection: United Authority (11/8, Boyle Sports/Betfred)

Ralph Beckett sends this James Doyle-ridden colt in after what looks a strong debut prep, and the combination of yard form and jockey booking is hard to ignore. Beckett has been relentless over the past two weeks with 12 winners from 47 runners, and when he partners Doyle it usually signals intent. The seven furlong trip at Sandown suits a horse bred to get a trip in time, and on debut form alone, Beckett juveniles frequently improve sharply at the second ask.

The danger is Zero Error at 5/1 for John and Thady Gosden, who have been red-hot with 10 winners from 18 runners in the past fortnight. Jamie Spencer knows this track well. A market move on the day would harden that case considerably.

On Target for George Scott and Oisin Murphy is the obvious market rival at 3/1. Scott carries a 15% course record here and 4 winners from 16 runners in the past 14 days suggests the yard is ticking over nicely. Murphy is always dangerous at Sandown on the right horse. If United Authority is any bigger than 11/8 at the off, On Target becomes the value alternative.

2:55 — European Bloodstock News EBF Star Stakes (Fillies’ Listed, 7f)

Selection: War Banner Each-Way (10/1 Boyle Sports, 9/1 Betfred)

The favourite Aperoll at 11/8 is impossible to fault on basic form, but the price is short for a two-year-old in Listed company who has only run twice. Richard Hannon has had a busy fortnight with 7 winners from 58 runners, a modest 12% strike rate, and the form figure of 13 means the filly ran a respectable third on debut before winning. She could easily go in here, but backing her at 11/8 leaves no room for error.

War Banner won on debut for Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan. A winning debut marker in a yard this in-form is significant. Beckett clearly thinks enough of her to pitch her straight into Listed company, and trainers of his calibre do not do that without confidence. At 9/1 with Betfred, there is genuine each-way value on a filly who may well have a big engine under the bonnet.

Tall Trees at 4/1 for Brian Meehan and Jamie Spencer is the other price worth noting. The form of 582 is unspectacular, but Meehan can place a horse here and Spencer always gets a tune out of fillies at this track. She holds her place in the each-way conversation but does not warrant shortening below 4/1.

Celestia at 14/1 for Harry Charlton also deserves a second look. Charlton’s 21% course win rate and A/E of 1.32 at Sandown is one of the strongest trainer angles on the card. Her form of 31 shows a debut third followed by a win, and Lewis Edmunds has ridden well for the yard. At 14/1 she is a speculative each-way play if you want a bigger price.

4:07 — George Lindon-Travers Memorial Handicap (1m6f, 3 runners)

Selection: Alma Latina (15/8 Boyle Sports, 7/4 LiveScore Bet)

Three runners and all three have winning form in their last four outings. In small-field contests the handicapper’s opinion and recent trajectory matter most, and Alma Latina’s 3213 sequence tells a progressive story for Ralph Beckett. The Beckett yard is firing at full tilt right now, Rossa Ryan has been partnering many of the stable’s winners, and the filly’s latest win suggests the handicapper may not have fully caught up with her yet.

Probation at 5/4 favourite for Kevin Philippart De Foy looks the main rival. The yard has returned 3 winners from 12 runners in the past fortnight, form of 3431 shows consistency, and the apprentice Alexandra Egan claiming 7lbs is a significant weight advantage. It is a tight race. But Beckett form and Alma Latina’s upward curve make the slight overlay at 7/4 the better play.

My Ballyquinn at 2/1 for David O’Meara and Oisin Murphy is consistent rather than exciting. The form of -24121 shows plenty of placed efforts but the yard is running at below 7% from 44 runners in the past 14 days, which is cold. Murphy can paper over cracks but he cannot manufacture form that is not there.

Today’s NAP

War Banner — EBF Star Stakes Fillies’ Listed (2:55, Sandown)
Odds: 10/1 — Boyle Sports (others: 9/1 Betfred)

Ralph Beckett is in the form of his life with 12 winners from 47 runners over the past fortnight, and he sends a debut winner straight into Listed company. That is the move of a trainer who knows he has a serious filly on his hands. Rossa Ryan has been riding winners for the yard consistently, and at 9/1 with Betfred the each-way case is compelling in a race where the jolly is short enough to be vulnerable.

Each-Way Recommended — 3 places at 1/5 odds