Sun 20th Aug 2023
3.45 Sandown (11 runners)
Sky Bet Sunday Series Nursery
5f 

1. Indication Spirit (IRE):

• Pros: Consistent winning form recently, possibly still improving, backed by a reputable trainer.
• Cons: Taking on a higher grade can be a new challenge.

2. Equity Law:

• Pros: Has shown ability to win, especially on good ground. Previous race form holds up.
• Cons: A significant dip in performance on softer ground. How much the ground will play into his performance is a concern.

3. Cotai Vision (IRE):

• Pros: Showed potential on debut, maiden win under her belt, and a stable that’s doing well.
• Cons: The Royal Ascot defeat might indicate her limits, and she’ll need to overcome that.

Conclusion:

The top three contenders each bring their strengths to the race. Indication Spirit (IRE) seems to be in prime form, while Equity Law has shown promise but is ground dependent. Cotai Vision (IRE), backed by a strong stable, might offer a surprise.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
4.15 Sandown (14 runners)
Sky Bet Sunday Series Sprint Handicap
5f 

1. Ancient Times
   • Pros: Has been having a solid season. Was hindered in the Epsom Dash, which might not be a true reflection of its capabilities. The recent break might offer a fresher perspective. Good average and median OR.
   • Cons: Could be influenced by any stalls malfunction.
2. Lil Guff
   • Pros: Has been close to her best recently, and holds a significant chance. The odds are short, indicating bookmakers also see the potential. Ratings and speed score are impressive.
   • Cons: Ideally wants faster ground than soft. May not perform optimally if the track isn’t to its liking.
3. Good Earth (IRE)
   • Pros: Top-rated in terms of data. Posted a career-best at Newmarket recently and holds good speed and trainer ratings.
   • Cons: Didn’t perform well in the Stewards’ Cup. Might be inconsistent given the recent mixed performances.

Conclusion: Based on the given data and notes, Ancient Times, Lil Guff, and Good Earth (IRE) emerge as top contenders for this race. While all horses have their strengths, it’s crucial to consider external factors like track conditions and recent form. Given the details, Ancient Times seems to have a slight edge due to its solid season and potential for improvement after the recent break.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
4.45 Sandown (11 runners)
Race To A Cure For MND Newcomers
Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)
7f

1. Rascal Recknell (FR):
   • Pros:
     • Highest rating of the lot.
     • Comes from a successful family lineage.
     • Represents a top trainer, indicating good preparation.
   • Cons:
     • Being a favourite means a lot of pressure, and sometimes these don’t perform as expected.
2. Skellet (IRE):
   • Pros:
     • Strong pedigree, related to several successful racers.
     • Comes from an in-form yard, which indicates recent success in their training methods.
   • Cons:
     • She’s taking on males in her debut, which can be challenging.
     • Odds, while relatively short, still suggest there’s some competition.
3. Dark Tornado (IRE):
   • Pros:
     • Related to several winners, suggesting a strong lineage.
     • Stable is in good form.
   • Cons:
     • The note indicates that this might be a horse to watch for in future races rather than its debut. This suggests it might need more experience.
     • Longer odds reflect a bit more uncertainty about its current form.

In conclusion, while Rascal Recknell (FR) and Skellet (IRE) seem to be the top choices based on both the data and notes, Dark Tornado (IRE) offers an interesting proposition given its lineage and stable form, but might be more of a long-term prospect.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
5.15 Sandown (9 runners)
Sky Bet Sunday Series Middle Distance
Apprentice Handicap
1m2f

1. Auld Toon Loon (IRE)
   • Pros: Recent wins this summer indicating good form. A good second at Haydock shows he can handle competition. Has potential for more.
   • Cons: Relatively new to racing, so might lack experience compared to other contenders.
2. Derry Lad (IRE)
   • Pros: Consistent past performances. Has won in both good to soft and good to firm conditions. Recently showcased a strong performance at Haydock.
   • Cons: Previous race was on heavy ground, might be fatigued.
3. Silver Gunn (IRE)
   • Pros: High total score and a previous winner of this race. Recent return to form.
   • Cons: Concern over the high mark which he hasn’t won off before, indicating a possible overestimation of his current form.

Based on the combination of data and notes analysis, these three horses appear to be the most promising contenders for the race. However, as with any race, unpredictable factors can come into play, and it’s always essential to account for the dynamic nature of horse racing.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
5.45 Sandown (11 runners)
Sky Bet Sunday Series Mile Handicap
1m

1. Ouzo
   • Pros: Strong recent form and has performed well over C&D. Among the top-rated horses and possesses one of the best speed ratings.
   • Cons: Hasn’t managed a win in a long time.
2. Island Bandit (IRE)
   • Pros: Highest total points, past C&D winner, and recent form is positive. Won this race last year.
   • Cons: Performance on slow ground is uncertain.
3. Metal Merchant (IRE)
   • Pros: Consistently performs well, was denied a clear run in his last race which suggests untapped potential. The race’s stiff finish may benefit him.
   • Cons: Hasn’t secured a win despite performing well.

In conclusion, while several horses have strengths in various areas, these three seem to present a well-rounded set of advantages based on the provided data and notes. However, it’s essential to note that horse racing can be unpredictable, and outcomes may vary.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
6.15 Sandown (13 runners)
Sky Bet Sunday Series Fillies Handicap
1m1f

Crystal Casque: Pros:

• Highest total rating.
• Recent winner and a reliable performer. Cons:
• Unraced over this specific distance, which could be a concern.

Marinara: Pros:

• Second highest in total rating.
• Progressive form and recent win.
• Could be open to improvement over a longer distance. Cons:
• A rise of 5lb since the last race which she has to contend with.

Tango Tonight: Pros:

• Third in ratings.
• Lightly raced which means potential is not fully revealed. Cons:
• Recent performance was underwhelming.

Considering the data and notes, and adding in the wildcard of Zarga, I would put forward the following:

Top 3 Contenders:

1. Marinara – Her recent form, the note’s suggestion of potential improvement over a greater distance, and her second-highest rating make her a strong contender.
2. Crystal Casque – The highest rating and her reliable nature make her hard to dismiss, though there’s a small concern about her racing over this new distance.
3. Zarga – While not in the top 3 by raw data, her recent win, potential to deal with a higher mark, and being from the previous year’s winning stable make her a wildcard to consider.

Sun 20th Aug 2023
6.45 Sandown (12 runners)
Sky Bet Sunday Series Stayers Handicap
1m6f

1. Blow Your Horn (IRE)
   • Pros:
     • Has recently won three races in a row.
     • Tops the rating charts.
     • Competitive odds.
   • Cons:
     • Questionable performance on good to soft. If rain has interfered, this could be a drawback.
2. Diamond Bay
   • Pros:
     • Reliable over the current distance.
     • Good ratings.
     • An each-way chance with decent odds.
   • Cons:
     • Slightly questionable performance on softer ground. Might face issues if the track is softer than ‘good’.
3. Crescent Lake
   • Pros:
     • In form with recent wins.
     • Competitive ratings and odds.
   • Cons:
     • Not proven on soft ground which could be an issue if conditions are unfavourable.

In conclusion, all races have elements of unpredictability. These assessments are based on available data and the conditions on the race day, like the state of the track, can have a major impact.