Classic Trial Day and Sandown Mile

Sandown, Friday 22 April: The Racecourse at Sandown Park will host two days of top-class steeplechase and flat racing.

Today the focus is on the Derby age group, among others. In the Classic Trial (5th race/16.35 h/80,000 pounds/2000 m) the successor to the German-bred Alenquer will be sought. The horses of Charlie Appleby and Godolphin, who are operating with great success on all fronts, are represented with two chances. Goldspur (William Buick), who was successful at Group 3 level last year, is expected to win. Franz Strauss (James Doyle) did nothing wrong in his only appearance to date on the all-weather track at Newcastle, but must now show his colours. The same goes for River Thames (Ryan Moore) and Cash (Jamei Spencer), who cut a fine figure in their maiden victories. Frantastic (Frankie Dettori) and Westover (Rob Hornby) are other proven winners with the best chances.

The older horses contest the Sandown Mile (4th race/16.00/115,000 pounds/1609m). Classic winner Alcohol Free (Rob Hornby) is the benchmark, but on her seasonal debut the four-year-old will be up against Mutasaabeq (Jim Crowley), who gave a strong performance at Thirsk just under a fortnight ago. Last year`s two-time winner Sunray Major (Frankie Dettori) is also expected to be well in front.