SANDOWN PARK 15:00 2r283n

All 8 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +24 yds

Time: 1m 43.53s Closing Sectional: (4f): 49.55s (103.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 99.1%

A starting point for some of the best older milers, the race won in recent years by Palace Pier and Charyn, this looking a deeper renewal than is sometimes the case, the winner probably benefiting from having had an outing already this spring, 6 of the other 7 having their first outing in 2025 and looking at various stages of readiness, though such was the style of his performance that he clearly looks an improved performer this year, with potential to win at a higher level still.

DANCING GEMINI (IRE) is clearly an improved performer this year and won much as he had at Doncaster, despite a significantly higher grade of opposition, fitness on his side and a good position too, though he's still shown form that will see him go close in the best races in the division as the campaign progresses; never far away, travelled well, led 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, quickened clear, won readily.

TAMFANA (GER) looking as if she'd come on for the run and with a Group 1 penalty, made a highly encouraging return, doing her best work in the closing stages under a sympathetic ride, no forlorn hope to turn the tables on the winner were the pair to meet again in the Lockinge or Queen Anne, though obviously she has options against her own sex as well; held up, travelled well, shaken up 2f out, not quicken, kept on inside final 1f, hands-and-heels ride; retains all her ability and looks set for a good season.

CICERO'S GIFT looked to have something to find in this company, but, having been gelded and given a breathing operation, he looked to have done plenty of work despite 6 months off and seemed to excel himself; held up, effort 2f out, hung right, stayed on final 1f, nearest at the finish.

ALCANTOR (FR) ran creditably, much better than he had on his previous visit to Britain, but he was still a little underwhelming, given he was the only other with a run under his belt this year, ridden more patiently than on his return and not finding so much as might have been expected; waited with, travelled well, effort 2f out, headway 1f out, no extra final 100 yds.

HAATEM (IRE) placed in the Guineas and Irish Guineas before winning the Jersey Stakes, had been absent since and clearly needed the run on his return, but he shaped as if retaining all his ability and is likely to be a lot sharper with this under his belt; led, shaken up over 2f out, weakened final 1f, not knocked about once beaten; a likeable type, will go well next time.

CASH (IRE) lightly raced for his age, seen just twice last year, looked backward on his first start in 7 months (gelded since then) and ran below his best, his next start likely to give a better idea of how much ability he retains; slowly into stride, held up, shaken up early in straight, made no impression.

ICE MAX had a better chance than the market indicated on the pick of his form last year, but he ended the campaign with 2 poor efforts and was below form again on his first outing in 6 months, though he looked in need of the run and was keener than ideal, so there were obvious reasons why he performed as he did; disputed lead, raced freely, shaken up 3f out, weakened under 2f out.

LEAD ARTIST had enjoyed an excellent campaign at 3 yrs and appeals as the sort to do even better this year, but he ran as if amiss after over 5 months off; took keen hold, close up 2f, in touch after, shaken up over 2f out, hung badly right, weakened soon after; hopefully something will come to light and he remains likely to make an impact in this division this summer.