August 20 / 17.45 Sandown

17.45

Good

Sky Bet Sunday Series Mile Handicap

  • Prize money: £20616
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
ITV4
View Course
Sky Bet Sunday Series Mile Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 28-014 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row over C&D last year (good to firm/good; including this race) and back on the scoresheet at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in June; fair fourth of 12 at Ascot (1m, good) since and he may be able to build on that latest performance now back here; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

23rd Jun 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

15:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Island Bandit

9st 7lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Heather Main

Six wins on turf and 0-9 on the AW, though was only beaten a head here (8.6f) last October and is now 3lb lower; each-way claims.

9/1

4

(3)

2nd Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 5

20:45 Windsor

Island Bandit

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Heather Main

Six-time turf winner but his last success was in August 2023; returned to form with a close call at Wolverhampton (8.6f, AW) in October but diminishing returns since and was only fourth of five on his Bath reappearance (1m, firm) last month; others preferred.

7/1

4

(3)

2nd Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 5

20:45 Windsor

Island Bandit

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Heather Main

Six-time turf winner but his last success was in August 2023; returned to form with a close call at Wolverhampton (8.6f, AW) in October but diminishing returns since and was only fourth of five on his Bath reappearance (1m, firm) last month; others preferred.

7/1

14/1

  • Place: £7.40

Form: 5-0619 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Improved for step up to 1m to win at Salisbury (good to firm) in June and reportedly unsuited by good to soft ground at Newmarket latest; unexposed at 1m and this 3yo could be a player if conditions are in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(12)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bluelight Bay

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

raced wide, towards rear

11/4

6th

2

(12)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bluelight Bay

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

raced wide, towards rear

11/4

3rd

1

(9)

4th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:02 Kempton (AW)

Bluelight Bay

9st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

held up in rear, headway up the centre over 1f out, went third final strides

7/1

15/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 213022 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won at Carlisle (1m, good to firm) in May for the now-retired Keith Dalgleish and he's been a good second on his first two starts for this yard (1m, good to soft/soft); there's every chance he'll be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

5

(8)

21st Sep 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Ayr

Whats The Story

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Multiple winner for Keith Dalgleish and was rated higher in his prime; has form figures of 2234 for new stable and again has frame possibilities; scored over C&D in 2022.

7/1

4th

5

(3)

7th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 3

19:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Whats The Story

9st 6lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Richard Fahey

Won at Carlisle (1m, good to firm) in May for the now-retired Keith Dalgleish and has form figures of 223 for his current yard; this return to Tapeta is no problem and he has each-way claims again.

4/1

3rd

7

(11)

20th Aug 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:45 Sandown

Whats The Story

9st 6lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Won at Carlisle (1m, good to firm) in May for the now-retired Keith Dalgleish and he's been a good second on his first two starts for this yard (1m, good to soft/soft); there's every chance he'll be in the mix.

15/2

Form: 20-156 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Below par at Newmarket last time but the hood adopted that day is now left off, and he'd previously run two good races in a row over this C&D, with a win and a good fifth of 15 (the latter on stable debut); not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

2nd Sep 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

13:50 Sandown

Indemnify

10st 1lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

Won a 1m handicap here (good ground) in May on his final start for Roger Varian and has shaped well back here (1m again) on two of his three subsequent starts for current yard; may need to get the breaks from the inside stall but he's one to be interested in from his mark and the drop to 7f shouldn't pose a problem for one who tends to race freely.

5/1

4th

6

(2)

20th Aug 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:45 Sandown

Indemnify

9st 8lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

Below par at Newmarket last time but the hood adopted that day is now left off, and he'd previously run two good races in a row over this C&D, with a win and a good fifth of 15 (the latter on stable debut); not ruled out.

11/1

6th

5

(10)

22nd Jul 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket (July)

Indemnify

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

Unexposed 4yo who won twice for Roger Varian, the latest on his Sandown reappearance (1m, good; first start since being gelded) in May; not beaten far into fifth of 15 on stable debut over the same C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago, but needs to find a bit more from the same mark; hood given a go; yard also runs Maysong.

8/1

7/1

Form: 040979 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Hasn't been at his best this season but he hasn't run badly in hot handicaps the last twice and he continues to drop down the weights; back down in grade today and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

6

(11)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

16:00 Lingfield (AW)

Orbaan

9st 9lb

J: J F Egan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who won a Beverley seller in July; some fair handicap runs since but others may have his measure back on AW (0-12 in this sphere).

12/1

Form: 733035 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Has run well in defeat more often than not this year (various ground), most recently fifth of 17 at Goodwood when denied a clear run from the back of the pack; this stiff finish should play to his strengths; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(9)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Metal Merchant

9st 9lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Brian Toomey

Showed notable handicap form in 2024 but has posted duck eggs in three runs since that campaign and needs to prove he retains ability; best watched on second run for new yard, unless the market suggests otherwise.

25/1

20th

19

(15)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

Metal Merchant

9st 1lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Brian Toomey

Well treated on his 2024 form for Jack Channon and he won the Spring Mile at Newbury (1m, good to soft) on his reappearance that season; however, just two runs last term, finishing down the field in April/May, and he has plenty to prove making his stable debut after an absence; blinkers go on.

40/1

12th

10

(15)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Metal Merchant

9st 1lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Last three wins over 1m, most recently the 2024 Spring Cup; however, finished a close fourth in major C&D handicap last July and could go well with Haydock reappearance under his belt.

12/1

Form: 503174

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
His performances can be up and down and he needs to produce more than he's managed the last twice, but he made all at Epsom (1m, good to firm) in June and is capable of a bold bid if reproducing that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(1)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Austrian Theory

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

On a losing run and went backwards from C&D reappearance fifth to Spioradalta when well held at Hamilton a fortnight ago; on a career-low mark but need to see more.

14/1

9th

3

(7)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 4

19:50 Hamilton

Austrian Theory

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Tim Easterby

On a losing run but he wasn't disgraced on his reappearance when fifth of ten in 1m2f Ripon handicap 29 days ago; this course winner can't be ruled out.

13/2

Form: 110073 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row on AW earlier this year and was a very close third back on AW last time; he's 8lb lower now reverting to turf but his claims aren't particularly compelling judged on this year's grass form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(7)

31st Dec 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:54 Lingfield (AW)

Alrehb

9st 10lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Began 2023 with a pair of AW wins, notably the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton (RPR 106); also ran a fine race at Newcastle in June (1m) and this month's fifth in a 1m Listed race at Kempton was another fair effort; stamina for today's trip not assured but he won't be far away if it sparks anything extra from him.

8/1

5th

2

(5)

6th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Alrehb

9st 6lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Won twice on the AW earlier in the year but very patchy in the meantime; others have less to prove.

16/1

6th

4

(5)

8th Sep 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Alrehb

9st 1lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Won two in a row on AW earlier this year but has a very mixed record since his last success and was only eighth of 11 at Sandown (behind Bluelight Bay) last time; that was after a break but he's now 0-9 on turf and others are more convincing.

16/1

Form: 1-2923 D BF

Last run: 58 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Has climbed the weights without winning this year but has twice been a good second (1m, good/AW) and was fair third of six at Goodwood (1m, good) latest; this 3yo remains open to further progress; unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

7

(15)

24th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 100y

19:02 Tipperary

Acotango

9st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Gerard O’Leary

held up in rear, no impression from over 2f out

28/1

13th

7

(15)

24th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 100y

19:02 Tipperary

Acotango

9st 4lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Gerard O’Leary

held up in rear

28/1

5th

4

(7)

15th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 150y

19:45 Dundalk (AW)

Acotango

9st 7lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Gerard O’Leary

towards rear, headway inside final furlong, ran on towards finish, never on terms

6/1

50/1

Form: -12110 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Four dirt wins in UAE between last December and this March but, following a break, he was tailed off at Newmarket (1m, good) last month when back on turf and failing to settle; has plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found
OUR TIP
11th
2 (1)

3/1

Form: 323662 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Beaten on his last 19 starts going back to October 2020 but has run several big races in the meantime, most recently second of 15 over C&D in a better race than this; has the same mark today and holds leading claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Shimmering Sands

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £147.10
Straight Forecast £145.28
Tricast £1080.62
Trifecta £1169.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Ouzo

TOPSPEED:

Metal Merchant

Daily Mirror:

Acotango

Daily Record:

Island Bandit

NEWMARKET:

Alrehb

The Sun:

Orbaan

RP RATINGS:

What's The Story

Telegraph:

Metal Merchant

D Express:

Metal Merchant

POSTDATA:

Ouzo

The Times:

Ouzo

Daily Mail:

Ouzo

The Star:

Ouzo