Racing: Hyperion's Tv Tips

SANDOWN

2.35: Some improving fillies take on an established and unbeaten performer in Meadow Pipit. John Gosden's charge started off in lowly company last term and, as her trainer is not one to rush his horses, she may not be fully tuned up for this, her seasonal reappearance. MONAASSABAAT appeals as the one most likely to take advantage of any lack of fitness. She experienced mixed fortune as a juvenile, winning only once from five starts, but she was given some stern tests including when finishing a creditable third in a 20-runner Doncaster handicap under a big weight. She made a smooth return when winning a handicap at Chester and probably has a great deal more to show. Elrafa Ah also comes into that category after two eye-catching performances this year and is likely to play a prominent role.

3.05: The adjacent South Coast stables of John Dunlop and Lady Herries may dominate this event for the top staying horses. They send out My Patriarch, Safety In Numbers and CASTLE COURAGEOUS against more established horses in that sphere in Further Flight and Sonus. Both the latter require several races before showing their best and are worth opposing here. My Patriarch impressed on a much faster surface in the Yorkshire Cup, while Safety In Numbers came with a late run to take the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot, but even at the age of seven, Castle Courageous seems to be improving and produced an excellent performance last time when giving weight away all round to take a Goodwood handicap from another of today's runners, Saint Keyne. That was on soft ground and today's surface should suit the selection admirably.

3.40: Lochsong, last year's Prix de l'Abbaye winner, showed brilliant pace when burning off all opposition at Newmarket on her reappearance. But she concedes weight all round here and will start at very short odds. LAVINIA FONTANA may be the best each-way alternative. Trained last year by Con Collins in Ireland to win Group events at Longchamp and Rome, she made a promising debut for John Dunlop when fourth to College Chapel in the Greenlands Stakes at The Curragh and loves cut in the ground. Midhish, just ahead of the selection there, will also like the ground but would prefer an extra furlong.

4.10: The only three-year-old in the field, WAFAYT, might appear to have a tough task. He takes on older, experienced handicappers for the first time but has the talent to take advantage of the weight he receives. He was a leading fancy for last autumn's Houghton Stakes, contested by youngsters of high potential. Pay Homage reserves his best for a sound surface; Dawning Street has class but may need this outing.