Sandown Friday

THE Group 3 Bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown on Friday was won by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Swagman (Ryan Moore), although the son of Wootton Bassett lacks an entry at Epsom, suggesting there are better Derby prospects at home at Ballydoyle.

The 9/2 shot was professional as he worked his way past longtime leader Windlord (Andrew Balding/Oisin Murphy) despite that rival leaning into him in the home straight.

The runner-up tried to battle back when headed but was three-parts of a length adrift where it mattered, with Damysus (John and Thady Gosden/William Buick) catching the eye in third having made a big move from the rear a furlong out.

The winner may or may not head to Epsom, but in winning here he was boosting the form of Jessie Harrington’s Hotazhell, who had Swagman back in second when winning the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown last term, when also taking the Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Doncaster.

Options open for resurgent Gemini

DANCING Gemini (Roger Teal/Rossa Ryan) looks to have matured into a top-class miler, as he demonstrated when supplementing his Doncaster Mile success in the Group 2 Bet365 Mile against stronger rivals.

Tracking the pace-setting Haatem, Dancing Gemini travelled notably well and quickened when Rossa asked to sprint clear of Tamfana (David Menuisier/Oisin Murphy) to score by a length and three-quarters at the line.

The runner-up ran well, considering she was conceding a penalty and came from well back to finish in the money, while Cicero’s Gift (Charlie Hills/Jason Watson) also made late headway for third, looking at least as good as ever having undergone a gelding procedure and a breathing operation since last season.

A relieved Roger Teal told ITV Racing: “Today shows why we were pitching him into all the top group races last year but unfortunately we got a wet summer and I’ve always said he’s not a soft ground horse. I was a little worried about the ground here today – he goes on it – but when you see him point his toe like he did at Doncaster it’s something else.

“The Prix d’Ispahan could be an opportunity – we want to get a Group 1 with him – but we have to do best by the horse. I’d love to go to Newbury [for the Lockinge], but we will have to see.”

Seven up for Al Aasy

The group race action began with a competitive renewal of the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes in which Al Aasy (William Haggas/Jim Crowley) proved as good as ever at the age of eight, with a remarkable seventh win at Group 3 level. Ancient Wisdom (Charlie Appleby/William Buick) and Arabian Crown set a modest early pace, with the former battling on well from the front and edged out by only half a length at the line, with a luckless Almaqam (Ed Walker/Tom Marquand) staying on well for third having been short of room when the winner – who was returned at 15/2 - edged across him a furlong out.

Almaqdam looks likely to head to the Curragh next month for the Tattersalls Gold Cup, but plans are fluid for the winner, who has never won above Group 3 level despite some stylish wins over the years.

Maureen Haggas told Racing TV: “It looked a strong renewal, but we thought he was in good form as he was fresh at home. He is strong - he bucks and he kicks and he’s a handful.

“In the past he has had a few injuries which has indicated his programme, but we’ve had him all winter this year and he has benefited from that.

“William will have a plan for him, but we will see what the weather does, for all he’s versatile with regards to the ground.”

Camelot had a second winner on the card when the Ralph Beckett-trained filly Tattycoram got off the mark in the bet365 ‘Wild Card’ Fillies’ Novice Stakes for three-year-olds over 10 furlongs.

The Chasemore Farm-owned and bred filly making most for Rossa Ryan and staying on well on her third racecourse outing. She was given a 40/1 quote for the Oaks.