UK- Sandown Park 7/5

[tenfurlongs]

GOOD (Good to firm in places; 7.3) (Cloudy)

Sandown 8:50- 5f Sprint Stakes (Group 3) (3yo+)

Probably the most competitive field assembled in the UK this season. Only Rocket Action (AW horse) and Band Practice (off form) can be safely dismissed. Everyone else has a chance to hit the exacta in here. #2- Dakota Gold (6-1) is as consistent as they come, loves 5f, and was the premier handicap horse in Engalnd last season, going 7/5-1-0. Will be ultra tough with his comeback race behind him. #10- Lazuli (5-2) is a very talented 3yo gelding for Godolphin/Appleby/Buick. Demolished a listed stakes group over C&D in mid-June, will likely be favored off that effort. #12- Liberty Beach (3-1) is probably my favorite horse in training at the moment. 3yo filly tries every time, finished third only beaten 2 lengths by Battaash last time in the King's Stand (GI) at Royal Ascot. The drop to this level makes her very dangerous.

EX- 10,12/2,4,6,8,10,12  Result- 9,12,5  A'ali recaptured his fine 2yo form after dropping a dud on the Tapeta surface at Newcastle on his reappearance. Liberty Beach ran her heart out (again) but was a bit rank mid-race and just couldn't wait long enough to go all out.

more to follow...

TW

[tenfurlongs]

Sandown 9:25- 2m Henry II Stakes (Group 3) (4yo+)

Elite field of only five going two miles (+fifty yards) over the good-to-firm ground. #1- Cross Counter (9-5) is the obvious class of the field. 2018 Melbourne Cup (GI) winner had a fine 4yo season, although winning only once, in a GII in Dubai. His comebacker against Stradivarius was uninspiring, so he might be vulnerable again in a small field. Looking for an upset, I'm attracted to #4- Summer Moon (7-1) which really progressed through the handicap ranks and showed his fondness for Cup distances. Fine third to Cour De Lion at Royal Ascot on return, takes a big step up in class and gets the worst of the weights, but might sit up front with #2- Dashing Willoughby (3-1) and gallop along until it is time to push the button.

EX- 2,4/1,2,4  Result- 2,3,1  Dashing Willoughby ($6.60) eventually settled down in third behind dueling leaders, had enough left to hold off Spanish Mission at the line. Cross Counter was very dull once again, might be time to give him an extended break after all the world travel he has undertaken. Spanish Mission is definitely a horse to follow going forward, by the way. He might benefit from a slight cut back in distance. 

more to follow...

TW