Horse Racing Tips: Hannon eyes Listed success with Aperoll

There's plenty of racing to get stuck into this Thursday with a total of seven meetings scheduled across the UK and Ireland. Sandown gets the day up and running and is quickly followed by afternoon action at Doncaster before the evening meetings come from Leopardstown, Wexford, Newbury, Southwell, and Yarmouth.

We’ve picked out three horse racing tips for the day, including a Royal Ascot placed runner in the listed race at Sandown for two-year-olds.

13:55 Sandown - Brave Nation each way @ 33/1

Three-time 5f winner BRAVE NATION arrives at Sandown on a potentially attractive mark, having been dropped 5lbs since his last win in 2024.

The six-year-old failed to get his head in front last season, but he often contested competitive handicaps and was not disgraced on several occasions, including placed efforts at Doncaster and Southwell.

He now makes his stable debut for Michael Attwater, with the yard operating in good form recently, and a change of scenery could spark a revival.

A return to Sandown, where he has previously finished second, is another positive, while his experience over this sharp trip could prove valuable

If able to recapture the level of form that saw him win twice in 2024, Brave Nation could prove competitive off his reduced mark.

14:55 Sandown - Aperoll @ 13/8

The Richard Hannon-trained APEROLL was impressive on debut when making all to score at Newbury, showing a good attitude to get the job done after being well supported in the market.

The two-year-old took another step forward when finishing third in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot over seven furlongs, going down by just under a length in what was a competitive field.

The Daughter of Gyahifthyh sets the standard for this race and with further improvement likely on just her third start, she looks the one to beat.

19:18 Leopardstown - Dark Viper @ 8/1

DARK VIPER arrives in good order after staying on strongly to finish second over a mile at this course last time, only finding one too good that day.

The five-year-old has been knocking on the door recently and looks ready to take advantage of the step up to the extended trip of 1m1f.

A consistent performer at this level, Dark Viper has shown a good attitude in handicaps and remains competitive from his current mark.

He clearly excels at this track, claiming two wins and a second in five starts at Leopardstown, with all those coming in tough, competitive handicaps.

If he matches those levels, Dark Viper looks capable of delivering for the in-form combination of Mrs John Harrington and Shane Foley.

Check out our NAPs Table daily to find a list of the experts' best bets