The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections for 2nd September 2023

The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections from Sandown Park & Chester

Sandown Park

Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap 1.50
Tough Enough
It may to side with James Tate’s Tough Enough for the opener. This Showcasing colt is two from three this term, with the only blip a creditable enough sixth in the bet365 Handicap at Newmarket, held up in the field before finishing strongly. The form of that race race looks good now though, with winner Quinault having a fine season, while runner-up Mill Stream scored in a Group 3 at Deauville last weekend. Rossa Ryan on the reins, and this course and distance winner should have more to come

Virgin bet Atalanta Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) 2.25
Heredia (nap)
Given here for her win in the Dick Hearn Stakes at Haydock Park three weeks ago, Richard Hannon’s impressively built Dark Angel filly is right back to her best. She showed that the mile trip is in her range, and can serve it up to likely favourite Coppice here. She has to give 5lbs to that three-year-old rival, but still looks the one to beat in this Group 3

Virgin Bet Solario Stakes (Group 3) 3.38
Starlore (nb)
Just the six runners for this Group 3 contest, but ready preference is for Sir Michael Stoute’s Starlore. This Kingman colt won over course and distance on his racecourse debut, relegating favourite Arabian Crown to third place a length back, and quickly makes to the step up to Pattern company here. Sure to be well prepped by his excellent trainer, and Ryan Moore booked for the trip just adds to the appeal

Virgin Bet Maiden Fillies’ Stakes 4.10
Classical Song
Classical Song cost a pretty penny for connections, but showed enough on her debut under rules to get the nudge for this Maiden Fillies’ Stakes. Trainer Ralph Beckett is in a purple patch, so it’s hard to ignore the appeal of this Lope De Vega filly, with Ryan Moore getting the leg-up. The one to beat

Chester

CAA Chester Stakes (Listed) 3.20
Military Order
Champion Trainer Charlie Appleby sends out Military Order for this Listed contest. He’s a full-brother to Derby and King George VI winner, Adayar, and this is a big drop in grade from his last assignment, The Derby. He didn’t live up to expectations in that Classic, perhaps not taking to the unique nature of the Epsom track, but now returns fresh from a break. He holds an entry for the St Leger in two weeks time, and if he’s to be a player in that final Classic of the season, should be winning this

CSP AV EBF Fillies’ Conditions Stakes 3.55
Great Generation
Just the five lining up for this Fillies’ Conditions race, but all have a fair chance in this 6 furlong contest. Marco Botti’s Great Generation may well be the one to follow if progressing from her racecourse debut at Haydock Park, where she went through the line with a bit in hand after a slow start. If Stefano Cherchi can keep her up to her work from a useful draw in Stall 2, every chance she can make it two from two here. Jabaara and Works Of Art rate the main dangers, and both arrive on the back of a win, but Great Generation makes the most appeal

The Mandarin