Sandy Lane Stakes

2.30 Haydock
J.W. Lees Sandy Lane Stakes (Listed) (Class 1) (3YO only)
Winner £22,708

Pick: Quarrel (win, e/w)

Angel’s Pursuit: Hard to say if he improved off his Mill Reef Stakes second when winning listed contest in receipt of 3lbs from Society Rock but he will improve for having had that run and should go well under a penalty here.

Corporal Maddox: Did well at 2, coming third in the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and winning a minor event since; Good effort even though he may have been flattered by his proximity to Society Rock first time out but bombed next time and no excuses been offered.

Lalyla’s Hero: Went on a real roll last year winning 4 races (including 2 listed events over this trip); Switching yard after fourth last time at Chantilly but this trip will suit him much more and not to be discounted.

Mister Manannan: Very consistent last season and seemed better than ever when all in 6f listed race at Chantilly on seasonal reappearance; Ran a dire, dire race after shooting to the lead last time and if back to best holds a favourite’s chance but after that run last time unbackable for me.

Khattab: Coughed on first start in Group company after an easy C&D distance win and seeing as he is much better than bare result of that, should not be left out of calculations; Probably better than he is rated at the moment.

Quarrel: Created a good impression when winning both of first starts over 6f, making most to win at Chester next time out; Ran a very good race when third in the Mill Reef and although he was behind Angel’s Pursuit, he does have a 3lbs pull and should go close today.

Regnier: Has improved from race to race, following up Musselburgh maiden win by chasing home Capercaillie in Class 2 conditions event there; Proved his 4th in the Norfolk Stakes was no fluke when filling out the same position in the July Stakes; Useful on all that evidence but help by Corporal Madddox on return last month.

Bewitched: Took giant leap forward and left 2 year old form miles behind when romping home in competitive Naas handicap earlier in the month; Promises to do even better but this is another hike in class.

Rain Fail: One of a number of Mark Johnston horses who have romped away on debut and could be anything; This is a very well contested race to make step up into.

VERDICT: A well contested race for the level. Mister Mananan was backed like a big run was expected when favourite for a French group 3, but ran abysmally and is unbackabale for me despite being a leading contender if bouncing back. Bewitched should come on again from her win first time out but is stepping into a good race to say the least now. Angel’s Pursuit’s Mill Reef form and listed win look good but QUARREL could be able to reverse those placings off 3lbs better terms.