Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's three to follow on Thursday at Sandown

Sandown, 17:10 - Back The Lost Sock E/W @ 6/17.00

Roger Varian-trained The Lost Sock drops back down in class under Ray Dawson in this 5f sprint handicap, which could allow him to fare better than when last seen at Thirsk. He had some excuses that day, but is capable of more and may be worth keeping the faith in from a workable mark of 81.

The three-year-old chestnut was able to get off the mark in a Catterick maiden last summer, and proved he is capable of being competitive in handicaps in his penultimate start. He finished third to Simplify from a rating of 83 at Wolverhampton, shaping with potential, and, from a 2lb lower mark, could strike in handicap company for the first time.

Sandown, 18:12 - Back Further @ 7/24.50

Four-year-old gelding Further remains capable of showing further improvement as a promising stayer, still unexposed in only his second start over two miles with his first appearance over the trip coming in the hugely competitive Melbourne Cup.

The son of Waldgeist should come on for his first run of the campaign at York, which was his first appearance following a gelding operation, and may improve enough to pose a threat against some more experienced, proven rivals in this field.

The Andrew Balding-trained contender shaped with promise last term with a placed effort in the Queen's Vase preceding a convincing Group Three win over Epic Poet at Newbury. He couldn't land a significant blow on Scandinavia in the St Leger, but he was far from disgraced in deep waters at Flemington and could be worth keeping onside.

Bet of the day: Sandown, 18:42 - Back Andab E/W @ 9/110.00

In the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown on Thursday, Irish-raider Andab makes each-way appeal for Joseph O'Brien having amassed plenty of valuable experience throughout his career so far. He's proven at this level and has been able to put in creditable efforts in races won by horses such as Gstaad, Rayif and Zavateri.

Yet to win in three starts this season, the son of Saxon Warrior was an eye-catcher in defeat when last seen at the Curragh, beaten only by subsequent Group Three winner Causeway, who could be capable of bigger things in future.

Andab has race fitness on his side coming into this assignment under Oisin Murphy, as well as proven form at this level, and should be able to hold his own with experience in his favour. 

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