Dave Nevison: Thursday horse racing tips from Sandown

Our pundit and resident website tipster Dave Nevison likes two runners at Sandown and believes three-time champion Oisin Murphy will ride a winner on his return to action at Chelmsford. Enjoy more action from Clonmel and Leicester live on Racing TV and Racing TV Extra.

1.15 Sandown: Gingerbred

He should go very close.

Gingerbred narrowly beat the decent Flat handicapper Pleasant Valley last time and, though that horse has been beaten again as favourite, I still think that Taunton run was a very decent effort.

That performance showed Gingerbred to be quite rapidly on the up and he is in effect just 5lb higher now after a 3lb rise from the handicapper and his rider claiming 8lb rather than 10lb this time. Either way, that rise looks to seriously underrate the progression he has made.

I think the stiffer track at Sandown is likely to suit him much better here, too.

4.45 Sandown: Sporting Mike

I went in fairly strong on this horse last time and I am prepared to believe for one more run given his early quotes at double-figure odds, even if this race is full of promising types.

He hit a hurdle very hard at around half way at Doncaster last time and lost all chance of another win, while a further mistake early in the straight might have seen him pulled up.

It is also possible he is better suited to quicker ground, as his two disappointing efforts this season have come on softer ground than he will face here.

However, I am much more concerned that Ben Pauling has focussed on getting his jumping right in the time since he last ran. If the trainer has ironed out those issues then I feel that Sporting Mike can run into a place at least.

6.00 Chelmsford: Jupiter Express

All eyes will be on the jockey here with Oisin Murphy on board for his return to action and I expect him to be on a winner.

Jupiter Express won over seven furlongs recently but showed himself equally effective over six furlongs last time, and even though he was a beaten favourite he came up against a well-handicapped and well-backed winner in Kensington Agent.

Jupiter Express has gone up 3lb but is still lower in the ratings than when running in Ireland and I expect Mick Appleby can get at least one more out of him while he is in form.