A fascinating four-runner staying handicap rounds off the Sandown card, with all four arriving with something to recommend them, although the progressive Kakirra sets a clear standard.
Ollie Sangster's three-year-old has improved rapidly since stepping into handicaps and moving up in trip, reeling off four successive victories. Despite climbing the weights, he has continued to find more, suggesting his current mark may still underestimate his ability. In a race lacking an established Pattern-class performer, he is the one with the most obvious scope for further improvement and looks a worthy favourite.
Boilermaker appears the chief threat. The French-bred gelding has been knocking on the door in similar company and has the consistency to make his presence felt again. While he may not possess the same untapped potential as the favourite, he is reliable and should ensure Kakirra earns the prize.
Last Verse produced a career-best effort when opening his account last time and remains lightly raced over staying trips. If able to build on that performance, he has claims of reaching the frame, although another step forward will be required to trouble the favourite.
The least exposed runner is Outflank, who steps into handicap company after showing ability in maiden and novice company. He receives no easy introduction, however, and will need to improve on what he has shown so far to trouble more battle-hardened rivals.
With only four runners declared, tactics are likely to play a significant role. A steadily run affair could place the emphasis on positioning and acceleration rather than outright stamina, making racecraft as important as raw ability. Even so, Kakirra has displayed the strongest recent profile, combining progressive form with proven stamina, and is taken to extend his winning sequence.
Prediction
1. Kakirra
2. Boilermaker
3. Last Verse
4. Outflank
Verdict: Kakirra brings the strongest credentials into the race and still looks ahead of the assessor despite a sequence of rising marks. Boilermaker rates the most solid alternative, while Last Verse has each-way claims in a deeper field but may have to settle for minor honours here.
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