G3 Classic Trial

Despite the heavy ground that unfortunately has led to some key withdrawals, Sandown's "Spring Celebration" fixture on Friday sees some big names both past and present, proven and as-yet untested brought for their Esher examination. Godolphin's Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) makes his 5-year-old bow in a customarily-beleaguered G3 Gordon Richards S. and is an altogether mightier presence these days than when making his first big breakthrough as an unlucky second in this venue's 2021 G3 Classic Trial. Since then, Charlie Appleby's goliath has conquered a Derby, a King George and...

Last year's G3 Sandown Classic Trial was a momentous renewal and Friday's is another to keep a close eye on after a trio of likely types finished clear led home by Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Last seen finishing runner-up in Pontefract's Listed Silver Tankard S. in October, Juddmonte's imposing bay raced freely for Rob Hornby tracking the 6-5 favourite Goldspur (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) throughout the early stages. Edging ahead a furlong from home, the 5-1 shot was initially wayward but honest enough to give extra and hold off the late...

Sandown hosts a trio of group contests on Friday's seven-race card with the bet365-sponsored G2 Mile and G3 Classic Trial vying for top billing on a mouthwatering programme. Jeff Smith's G1 Fillies' Mile, G1 Coronation S. and G1 Sussex S. heroine Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never), a rare purchase for the Littleton Stud supremo, is the day's undoubted star attraction and will be a warm order in the G2 bet365 Mile. Her chief threat is Shadwell Estate Company's match-fit G1 2000 Guineas seventh Mutasaabeq (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who...