Strangely, this youngster has changed ownership since that win and now with The 'In Recovery' Partnership. Mr Knightley is a fair horse at this level but I would have reservations whether he is a natural sprinter over this minimum trip. After winning over this distance last time at Wolverhampton that comment may seem folly. However, that could hardly be called a contest with three horses and two who have been desperately out of form. How much ability was needed to win that race? Even saying that, it wasn't a non contest. I would have concerns Mr Knightley will be outpaced and backers will cross their fingers he can run on with vigour.
I quite like Sonko. Tim Pitt has done well with this little filly and she is a feisty daughter of Red Clubs. Make no mistake at this level she is a decent two-year-old and very much a speed horse. This drop back to 5f will be in her favour and I would expect a big run. A determined juvenile who runs to the line. It is intriguing to imagine whether Mr Knightley has the pace to keep up if Gibbon is told to press on. I would be surprised if Sonko didn't have him in trouble. Connections may try to finish the race with an early burst of speed because Sonko isn't the type to give up a win just because some brute of a colt is chasing after her.
Conclusion: This could be the classic tale of the tortoise and the hare. Except this time the hare doesn't take a nap and storms clear for a comfortable victory. Perhaps I simply need a different bedtime reading! I would have to favour Sonko. A speedy, determined filly, she will enjoy this turning course and appreciate this minimum trip. The question for Mr Knightley backers is whether he is a natural 5f horse. That's the gamble. I can see him struggling to keep tabs on this little filly. I would back Sonko and try to lay the bet in-running at half odds (if not shorter) and enjoy the race.
HCE: ''Sonko proved she is a fair juvenile at plating class and was much too speedy for Mr Knightley who is better over 6/7f.''