SANDOWN PARK RACES -- THURSDAY 26th MAY (Evening)

The best evening race card of the season takes place at Sandown Park on Thursday 26th May. This meeting features two Group Three races on it's six race card, the HENRY II Stakes over 2m and THE BRIGADIER GERARD Stakes over 1m 2f. 

This is a meeting that I attend each year as it falls close to my older brother's birthday, so we'll make a night of it with some of his boys, and a few winners would be nice. 

A link to the evening race card can be found here;
 -- http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/meeting/sandown-park/26-05-2016/fast-cards


And here are the evenings races and my selections;
6:00pm -- THE CARDINAL WOLSEY HANDICAP STAKES 
(Jockey Club Grassroots Flat Middle Distance Series Qualifier) 1 mile 2 furlongs

The opening handicap is pretty competitive with 11 runners lined up, INNISCASTLE LAD [WON 9/2] is sure to be popular in pursuit of his hat trick tonight, with SPECULATOR the chief danger.


6:35pm -- THE NATIONAL STAKES (Listed Race) 
5 furlongs 

MEHMAS (NAP) Won his races well at Chester and Newbury quickened away last time and should take all the beating here.


7:05pm THE HENRY II STAKES (Group 3)
2 miles 78yds

Just the 5 runners, but MAX DYNAMITE is one of them and his Melbourne Cup performance when runner up to Prince of Penzance is far and away the best 2m form on offer and should win this. Won't be much of a price so no bet for me and just watch instead.


7:40pm THE BRIGADIER GERARD STAKES (Group 3) 
1 mile 2 furlongs

Last years winner WESTERN HYMN reappears again and could be tough to beat once more under Frankie Dettori, can take care of both TIME TEST and INTILAAQ. 

Market support for SCOTTISH could be interesting but I will stick with the proven form of Western Hymn.


8:15pm THE HERON STAKES (Listed Race) 
1 mile 14y

Another small field for this Listed race, only six participants with a chance to be made for most only PALAWAN seems to be up against it here. 

Richard Hannon's ATLANTIC SUN was only denied by a short head last time at Ascot, so should appreciate this long galloping track and might have most to fear from Sir Michael Stoute's FORGE who won a Doncaster maiden by 5L and promoted straight into listed class so must be fancied by his connections.



8:45pm Whitsun Cup Handicap
1 mile 14y

A decent line up for the finale with 14 facing the starter and it's the top two that I want to be on HIGHLAND COLORI and JAILAWI will have to go some to concede the weight but both seem capable.



Have a fun evening and Happy Birthday Graham.