The third, Sonko, wasn't too far behind and although a determined sort, by all accounts is a good plater. Makin's charge is perhaps best judged on her loss behind Beau Mistral, which was no more than an average performance. In this two-year-olds favour is the fact that the majority of the opposition have something to prove. Blanc De Chine may appeal to many however I would have reservations about taking a short price.
Dream Whisperer was kept quite busy early season, showing patches of form. There must have been a problem with the Ffrench Davis-trained juvenile because she wasn't seen for a couple of months, then returned for the Ascot Sales race. This daughter of Piccolo held every chance leading into the final furlong but tired in the closing stages. Until that race, she had be campaigned over 5f, which is probably more suiting. In some respects her problem in those early races was that she had a tendency to do a little too much in front and struggle to finish. That characteristic didn't seem quite as significant at Ascot and it would certainly be a plus if she has learned to settle. This bay filly has speed to burn and could go well today but she needs to settle. One for the short list but probably more of a win bet than each way selection because there is no in between with this type of horse if remaining keen.
Ed McMahon is a talented trainer - one of my favourites - and he will be trying his best to find a race for Samba Night. This son of Dark Angel has been placed on his last three starts although on his most recent contests has been a remote second. Although a determined juvenile, he has his limitation and needs everything to fall right to get that elusive win. In such a difficult race to come to a strong conclusion, this could be his opportunity but he may need one or two of the major fancies to falter.
I get the feeling connections quite like Art Show. She has been fancied to go well on each of her three starts but for the first couple ruined her chances by pulling too hard. By contrast, Ed Dunlop's representative seemed to struggle to go the pace at Wolverhampton after a slow start, then ran on at the finish. Whether this 5f will suit is a matter of opinion. On her first two starts it would seem to be the answer but after that last run it is something of a head scratcher. This daughter of Dutch Art is quite an attractive filly who I can imagine has bemused connections because I am sure they have expected more.
The last of the major contender is Brett Johnson's Sandfrankscipsgo. This youngster is quite well bred being a half-brother to Group-winning Finjaan out of a two-year-old winning mare. Although from an unfashionable stable for juveniles, physically this is a superb-looking colt. I was struck how big and strong he looked at Sandown. He travelled well for most of that race and has very good pace. He crumpled in the final furlong. Whether that was lack of fitness or the consequence of going a stride too fast only time will tell. He could be on the weak side but I would be surprised if he doesn't win races in his career. A difficult horse to assess but one to respect and keep in mind for the future if not today.
Conclusion: Quite an interesting race in its own way. A puzzle to some extent. Blanc De Chine looks the one to beat on her last performance but I would be very careful betting on this juvenile at short odds. She may cruise to an effortless win but I have my suspicions that the weight difference made her look a little better than she is last time. But what of the others? Dream Whisperer has been a live wire and blown her chance by struggling to finish. If she settles, this would be a great chance. That's is the gamble. Unless she has learned to settle, this filly is the all or nothing type. A tricky customer but a fighting chance. Art Show is another who has run with the choke out. This drop back to 5f may help and I suspect connections fancy her to go well today. An each way chance. Samba Night will run his race and has win and place claims but may find one too good. The dark horse of the race could be Sandfrankskipsgo. A big, bold specimen. If looks are anything to go by, he will be winning soon. At a price he may have each way claims but a difficult horse to judge.
HCE: ''This was a dual between Blanc De chine and Sandsfrankskipsgo from some way out. Brett Johnson's colt edged ahead in the final half furlong with Art Show a distant third.''