Sandy Lane Stakes 2018 Horse Racing Preview And Tip

The Sandy Lane Stakes (Saturday 26 May) is open to three-year-olds and is run over 6-furlongs at Haydock. In 2015, the race was elevated to a Group 2 from a Listed Race, which saw the quality of the fields improve. The last two renewals have been won by subsequent Group 1 winning sprinters Quiet Reflection and Harry Angel, with the latter again looking sure to challenge for top sprinting honours after his recent comeback win at York.

Sandy Lane Stakes 10-Year-Trends

• Winners have carried between 8-9 and 9-3
• Winners have been rated between 98 and 114
• Six of the last 10 favourites have won
• SP’s have ranged from 5/6 to 7/1
• Clive Cox and Karl Burke are the only two trainers with entries who have won one of the last 10 renewals

Sandy Lane Stakes 2018 Main Contenders

Invincible Army

Won twice and was runner-up four times in his seven races as a two-year-old, proving consistent at Group-level. Confirmed he had trained on from two to three by winning a Group 3 on his seasonal debut. However, he was beaten by both James Garfield and Sands Of Mali as a two-year-old and those two could be amongst his opposition here. He also finished second to Havana Grey, whom several of his rivals beat last season.

James Garfield

Beat Invincible Army by ¾-length at Newbury last season over 6-furlongs, a distance he is two wins from three starts at. He was also successful over 7-furlongs on his seasonal debut before looking like a non-stayer over a mile in the 2,000 Guineas. It would be no surprise if he’s suited by the return to 6-furlongs and has every chance on the formbook.

Sands Of Mali

Very highly-regarded by his trainer Richard Fahey and his 2¾ lengths beating of Invincible Army at York last season is possibly the best piece of form on offer. Has a tendency to win or completely blowout but is three from four in the hands of Paul Hanagan, who rode Adaay to win the 2015 winner of this race.

Heartache

Won three of her four starts as a two-year-old and has the potential to make up into a better three-year-old. However, she is held on the formbook by Unfortunately who beat her in France last season.

Unfortunately

It’s interesting that both his bad runs came at Newmarket last season, as he has a good chance on the formbook on his other runs. Those runs included giving Heartache 4lb and a beating in France, whilst he also finished much further in front of stablemate Havana Grey than Heartache did.

Sandy Lane Stakes 2018 Summary

Invincible Army seems to have been installed as favourite solely on the fact he won a Group 3 on his seasonal reappearance, but many of his rivals appear to have better form in the book. James Garfield has already beaten him, as has Sands Of Mali, and both of them have also already won a Group 3 this season. However, it’s Unfortunately who could be overpriced, as his best two-year-old form gives him a live chance of beating all of them.

Sandy Lane Stakes 2018 Tip

Unfortunately