Pace & Draw Setup:
Forecast is evenly run, with no clear trailblazer. Kodi Lion, Glenfinnan and Yokkell can sit handy, but none are out-and-out leaders. That could result in a tactical affair where positioning matters more than raw pace. On soft at Sandown, a handy/mid-division sit is usually optimal. Draw rarely decisive over 7f here unless it’s extreme, but low–middle typically preferred if they edge towards the stands’ side rail.

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Strongest Contenders

Headmaster (3yo, Haggas/Marquand) – Proven/Promising
Forgive Goodwood run where he was well backed but didn’t fire. Strong pedigree, lightly raced (221 before that) and likely to stay 7f well on soft. Yard flying, and Haggas often targets Sandown with improvers. A major player if bouncing back.

Kodi Lion (4yo, Appleby/Buick) – Progressive/Proven
Consistent, acts on all ground, and has been performing in stronger company than this. Arguably unlucky at Haydock when short of room. Buick a notable booking; still improving for this yard. Very solid contender.

Woroodd (3yo, Walker/Shoemark) – Promising
Unexposed filly making handicap debut after 100 days off. 7f record is strong (311), and her win came with a bit in hand. Trainer in form, soft ground not an obvious plus but pedigree doesn’t rule it out. Could be a major improver.

Glenfinnan (5yo, Dods/Beasley) – Proven/Handicapper’s Friend
Won this race off 93 last year; back to 82 today, 11lb lower. Clearly below that level since, but return to Sandown and soft ground gives him a dangerous profile. Well handicapped if anywhere near best.

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Main Dangers

Galeron (Hills/Havlin) – Capable of smart form (Lincoln run good), but hard to trust after issues and long losing spell. High in weights but well treated if bouncing back.

Ellaria Sand (3yo, Sangster/Murphy) – Classy at 2, form dipped this year. First handicap, drops in grade, soft ground a plus. Can’t rule out a bounce back if she takes to the task.

God Of War (Clover/Egan) – Fair in Listed races at 2, mixed this year. Better at 7f than 1m, chance if ground not too deep.

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Outsiders with Angles

Tarkhan – German/Italian form is solid, ran well at Chepstow recently. Unexposed on UK soft; interesting if market speaks.

Metabolt – Needs drop in grade; reliable but not thrown in at this level.

Kindest Nation / Yokkell – Both look out of form; best watched unless strong market support.

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Runner Scores (Suitability /10)

• Headmaster – 8/10 (classy, progressive, forgiving last run, ground a query but should cope)
• Kodi Lion – 9/10 (solid, consistent, good draw/run style for race shape)
• Woroodd – 8/10 (unexposed, dangerous on debut in handicaps, ground unknown)
• Glenfinnan – 8/10 (handicapped to strike, track/ground ideal)
• Galeron – 6/10 (well treated but unreliable, needs revival)
• Ellaria Sand – 6/10 (interesting class dropper, but must prove current form)
• God Of War – 6/10 (okay profile, better at 7f, not much margin in mark)
• Tarkhan – 5/10 (recent revival but needs more in this)
• Metabolt – 5/10 (honest but never at this level)
• Kindest Nation – 3/10 (out of form, risky)
• Yokkell – 2/10 (hard to fancy, unless money comes)

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Private Tissue (Guide Odds)

• Kodi Lion 7/2
• Headmaster 4/1
• Woroodd 5/1
• Glenfinnan 6/1
• Galeron 10/1
• Ellaria Sand 12/1
• God Of War 12/1
• Tarkhan 16/1
• Metabolt 20/1
• Kindest Nation 40/1
• Yokkell 50/1

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Summary & Smart Play

A competitive handicap, but with some key angles:

• Kodi Lion looks the most solid option, consistent at higher level and well suited to setup.
• Headmaster deserves another chance – lightly raced, strong yard, should be sharper.
• Woroodd is the dark horse, unexposed filly with scope to improve into Group class.
• Glenfinnan is the obvious handicap plot – well handicapped back at the track of his biggest success.

Smart Play:

• Win bet – Kodi Lion (solid profile, everything in favour).
• Each-way saver – Glenfinnan (back on winning mark, loves track/ground).
• Shortlist – Headmaster, Woroodd (potential improvers).