Saturday 31st August

Sandown
Atalanta Stakes Group 3 (1m)

It's difficult to see where the pace may emerge from, Lavender's Blue could provide it but it's unlikely to be too strong. Being at the head of affairs may well be an advantage.

Preference is for those rated at least 105, and at least placed last time out. Based on the OR trend of winners rated 105 or higher this does not look a strong renewal. Only 2 qualify on all trends and both are likely to be the market leaders. Sir Michael Stoute has won this on 3 occasions in the last decade and all have been favourites. He saddles Jubiloso in this year's renewal. She looked a very exciting filly when trouncing a group of colts on her 2nd run. She stepped up to 1m and Group 1 level in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot where she travelled well and finished a creditable 3rd. She returned to 7f at Goodwood in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes, she found trouble in running and when finally clear to a short while to pick up before coming home with a strong run to again finish 3rd. On that evidence this mile is what she is crying out for, as this may develop into a sprint she may have to race a little more prominently than the previous 2 occasions.

The other qualifier Duneflower looked ready for this step up to Group company when putting in an impressive display at Ascot winning the Listed Valiant Stakes from a useful looking field. She posseses a good turn of foot just like her rival and travelled well in what appeared a slowly run mile. She's learning with every run and could be an interesting filly from the Gosden stable.

Selection:

This is a difficult decision as Jubiloso has looked a class act all season, but preference is for the improving Duneflower. She is a strong finisher and may well put that to her advantage up the stiff finish at Sandown.

Solario Stakes Group 3 (7f)

This has been won by some class acts in the past including Kingman, Masar and last year Too Darn Hot. On that evidence stamina is usually needed to take this as opposed to speed. 

Al Suhail looked impressive winning a novice at Yarmouth with a good turn of foot, the form is yet to be tested but he pulled well clear despite running keenly early on. The pace of this race may well be set up by a pacemaker from the same stable. He is by Dubawi so should have no problem getting a mile in the future. Positive brings Group form to the fore with a 2nd behind Pinatubo in the Vintage Stakes. He was 5l behind but was another 5l clear of the rest and looks one to respect and is anither bred for the mile division by Dutch Art. Visinari was all the rage earlier in the season but had his reputation dented when 4th last time out behind Pinatubo and Positive.

Selection:

A punt is taken on Al Suhail with a pacemaker likely to provide a decent pace to aim at he could use his speed at the business end to win this.