Sandown preview: Brando ready to take Charge
Published:
David Metcalf | July 1, 2016
Brando to take centre stage in Coral Charge
Brando has a progressive profile and can take the step up into Group 3 company in his stride to land the Coral Charge at Sandown (14:00).
The Kevin Ryan trained gelding scored in terrific style on return to action at Newmarket, travelling powerfully throughout before surging clear to score by 3 1/4 lengths.
It was a performance which suggested Brando was a sprinter who needed keeping firmly onside, and that view was confirmed when he finished an unlucky second of 17 to Duke Of Firenze at York.
After being slowly away, Brando found himself well off the pace before coming with a real rattle to be beaten just 3/4 of a length.
Cracking run in Wokingham
The four-year-old backed that up with a cracking head second in the ultra-competitive Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot, where he looked all over the winner two from home when challenging on the bridle before getting chinned close home.
Judge on those efforts, the son of Pivotal should be well up to making his mark in this company, and Brando looks the type who should have plenty more to offer.
With Tom Eaves in the saddle, he can take this en route to even better things.
Spirit Quartz a big player
The Robert Cowell trained eight-year-old won a Group 2 at Chantilly back in 2013, and finished a fine third to Waady in this contest 12 months ago.
Spirit Quartz also ran very well when a one length fourth of 21 to subsequent Group 1 winner Profitable on seasonal reappearance in the Palace House Stakes at Doncaster, and comes into the contest on the back of a confidence-boosting success in a Listed race at Naas in the hands of leading Irish jockey Pat Smullen.
Judge on those runs the veteran commands plenty of respect, especially with Smullen once again in the saddle, but he could be vulnerable to an improver and Brando fits that bill.
Related
You’ll find more Sandown tips from Coral-Eclipse day on our dedicated page.
Coral’s top tip: Brando looks a sprinter going places and can get the better of veteran Spirit Quartz to land a competitive Coral Charge.
