Ross Millar's Sandown selections: three tips for Brigadier Gerard night

Our horse racing writer believes a bona fide Group 1 performer, who is available at tasty odds, can shock Mostahdaf in Sandown's featured Brigadier Gerard Stakes on Thursday.

6.15 Sandown, 5f Listed National Stakes

It’s interesting to see that trainer Michael O’Callaghan has decided to send over sharp debut winner Crispy Cat from Ireland when owners, Amo Racing, have plenty of British-based juveniles that could run in this Listed sprint.

Crispy Cat was only beaten a short head by subsequent Group 3-winner Blackbeard on his latest run at the Curragh, but his conqueror showed tremendous improvement when upped to 6f in the Marble Hill on his next outing and I’m not sure the form of the First Flier is that impressive given that the third-placed, Treasure Trove, and fourth home, Ocean Vision, have been well beaten since. 

I prefer the Roger Varian-trained Tajalla, who is a son of first-season-sire Kessaar. He created a huge impression when he won at Newmarket on his debut, and looked thoroughly professional in the process. 

He showed a smart turn of foot when initially asked for his effort and galloped out well in the closing stages, so a stiff 5f should be ideal. The runner-up, Fragrance, has won since, so the form has been boosted, and Tajalla looks to have enough ability to take this year’s National Stakes.

Selection: Tajalla @ 2.2

6.50 Sandown, 2m Group 3 Henry II Stakes

Sadly the lack of rain means that we are deprived of seeing Alan King’s star stayer Trueshan, but his absence makes this a far more interesting betting heat. 

Enemy has looked progressive on his most recent starts for trainer Ian Williams and ran a career-best last time when rallying late in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot. He had a troubled passage through that race and his effort can be upgraded.

He is feared, but I want to take a chance on the oldest horse in the field - Euchen Glen. Jim Goldie’s nine-year-old is unbeaten in two starts at Sandown and, while he is stepping up significantly in trip from his most recent outings, he has winning form at this distance earlier in his career. 

Euchen Glen has always taken a run to hit top form so his disappointing reappearance at Doncaster doesn’t unduly worry me. Many races change complexion in the closing stages at Sandown, but this track suits Euchen Glen, who is at his best when he is able to pick off rivals late.  

Selection: Euchen Glen @ 14

7.25 Sandown, 1m2f Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes 

Mostahdaf was impressive on his seasonal return at this track and is bound to be popular with punters. However, he faces a different calibre of opponent in the Brigadier Gerard and conceding 3lb to a bona fide Group 1 performer in Addeybb may be beyond him. 

Addeybb’s trainer, William Haggas, is currently operating at a staggering 41% strike-rate over the last 14 days and saddled Alenquer to win the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup last weekend, so there are no doubts about yard form!

This veteran put up a huge performance over this course and distance in last year’s Eclipse when he chased home the classy St Mark’s Basilica, especially as he was conceding 10lb to that rival. 

A reproduction of that run under regular partner Tom Marquand might be enough to get his season off to a winning start.

Selection: Addeybb @ 4.3

Recommended bets

Tajalla (6.15 Sandown) @ 2.2
Euchen Glen (6.50 Sandown) @ 14
Addeybb (7.25 Sandown) @ 4.3