Sandy Lane Stakes 2011

2.35 Haydock

Blue Square Sandy Lane Stakes (Listed) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner £17,031

Pick: Ladies Are Forever (win) 

Marine Commando: Broke his maiden in good style and showed plenty of promise at Carlisle first & looked set for big future when overcoming trouble to land Windsor Forest Stakes; Not reached anywhere near same form since and while this is easier than most of his races, still vulnerable to improvers.

Belle Bayardo: Never upto pattern class last year and Well held off 93 in Sandown handicap on last month´s seasonal bow.

March On Beetroot: Made no mistake when unextended to 7f Lingfield maiden in December and while this is easier than his stiff return (drop back in trip will help too) still has a lot to prove.

Murbeh: Looked like he had a future when landing a maiden and a sales race (very comfortable) on first two starts; Not reached same form since although should be sharp for today and this trip/ground will help.

Oor Jock: Found life tough in good company after winning 5f event at Naas and form tailed off badly since then.

Laides Are Forever: Might just have been tapped for a toe a little behind Maqaasid in the Queen Mary, taking advantage of being well treated when landing big listed prize at Beverley; Was fifth in Nell Gwyn on seasonal reappearance but hat form has been boosted majorly since; Down the field in Duke Of York Stakes but this far easier and can go close here.

Sweet Cecily: Messed around on debut but underwent complete transformation when making all in 6f maiden here; Held her own in better company, especially the last twice; Can go well.

Show Rainbow: Took four tries to break duck last year, having seemingly ‘spurted’ two chances before coming right away from field on heavy in October; Ran a good race in Nell Gwyn and while a mile was too far in the Guineas, her latest effort gives her a big shout.

VERDICT: LADIES ARE FOREVER should find this far easier than the Duke Of York Stakes last time and can take a race which may be dominated by fillies if Sweet Cecily & Show Rainbow do their best.