
6.07 Sandown – Surveyor (Win)
This is a very tricky opener, and several of these horses could be open to any amount of improvement. However, the one I am going to side with is Surveyor for James Fanshawe. She’s a filly who has shown some promise on a few occasions during her career to date. Her second last season at Leicester behind Spiritual, who has subsequently been placed in Listed company, reads particularly well.
The daughter of Pivotal was last seen running on when finishing fifth at Kempton earlier this month, after she appeared to get outpaced. I think the stiff uphill nature of Sandown will suit her, and I can see her coming home well. Furthermore, the booking of Ryan Moore is very eye-catching, and he had a 33% strike rate when riding at the Surrey track in 2023. I think this three-year-old filly could be an interesting horse to follow this season.
6.37 Sandown – Sonic Blue (Win)
I really like Sonic Blue here. He won with plenty in hand when scoring on his racecourse debut at Doncaster. Though it was only a four-runner race and the form wasn’t worth much, he couldn’t have won more impressively.
It’s interesting to see that after the win, his trainer, Tom Dascombe, identified this race as his next target. The National Stakes has produced plenty of good two-year-olds over the years, and I could see him being a Royal Ascot juvenile if he was able to run well here.
7.07 Sandown – Caius Chorister (Win)
There is no doubt that Caius Chorister is going places. Her owner, Clive Washbourn, has been very bullish about her in his interview antics, and after her head second in the Sagaro Stakes behind Coltrane, you can see why.
Last season, she improved from handicaps into group company as she won the Group 3 Prix Belle de Nuit at Saint-Cloud. I think there are question marks around the likes of Sweet William and Trueshan, and that’s why I am keen to side with the daughter of Golden Horn.
7.37 Sandown – Royal Rhyme (Win)
This isn’t the strongest renewal of this race we’ve ever seen, but if there’s a superstar, it could be Royal Rhyme. The son of Lope De Vega was very progressive last season, winning the Glorious Goodwood and Ayr. He seemed to also show a liking for a bit of cut in ground, so the rain that fell on Wednesday, should aid his course. With him coming out best on the ratings, I’m expecting him to take all the beating.
8.12 Sandown – Sons And Lovers (Win)
This could end up being the race of the night. I think you can make cases for the whole of the field, but I’m just going for Sons And Lovers. I thought he shaped well in the Craven Stakes, plugging on to finish third. That was only the second start of his life, and I think he’ll have learned a lot from that. Moreover, Haatem, who won the Craven Stakes, went on to place in the 2,000 Guineas, so I don’t think it was a bad form line.
The son of Study Of Man comes from a family that tends to improve with age, so it’s likely he will improve over time. He might not be good enough to win this race, as it looks like a hot race, but I would be disappointed if we didn’t see a bold effort.
8.42 Sandown – Navagio (Each Way)
Navagio ran really well on his seasonal appearance when he finished third in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster back in March. His last run at Newbury, though, was disappointing, but I think you can forgive him because of the ground. As already mentioned, there could be a bit of ease in the going at Sandown, and if it is riding on the slow side, then that should suit this five-year-old gelding.
Also, it’s interesting that Ryan Moore is booked for the ride, as he wouldn’t be wasting his time unless he thought he had a chance. With a few things in his favour, I can see him making the frame.
Bet Of The Meeting: 6.37 – Sonic Blue