SANDOWN PARK 15:00 x6m3f

Non Runners: FLIGHT PLAN. Race Distance Adjustment: +25 yds

Time: 1m 45.17s Closing Sectional: (4f): 49s (105.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 100.1%

A relatively weak race for the level, especially with Nostrum turning in a disappointing effort, one who has already shown his well-being this year doing well to come from the rear of the field, the pace only increasing early in the straight, the fourth having the run of things.

CHARYN (IRE) has clearly returned an improved performer this year and followed up his Doncaster win in this higher grade, doing well to come from where he did given the run of the race; slowly into stride, held up, shaken up 3f out, headway over 1f out, led last ½f, kept on well; he may well go next for the Lockinge, in which his fitness advantage could be a factor in his favour.

POKER FACE (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces after 6 months off, proved at least as good as ever, conceding 3 lb to his rivals, and looks set for another good season, not out of the question that he could turn the tables on the winner were they to meet again in the Lockinge; tracked pace, travelled well, led 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, headed last ½f, one paced.

LORD NORTH (IRE) back down in trip (last ran at 1m in 2019), ran his most encouraging race of the year; waited with, took keen hold, shaken up over 2f out, hung right briefly, stayed on final 1f, challenged last ½f, not quicken late on.

POGO (IRE) found things tough last year and is getting long in the tooth, but he shaped as if retaining plenty of ability after 7 months off, even if he had the run of the race; led, shaken up over 2f out, headed soon after, weakened final 1f.

WITCH HUNTER (FR) ran respectably after 7 months off, though without landing a blow, likely to have been helped by a stronger gallop, that said probably not the easiest to place this year; slowly into stride, dropped out, shaken up 3f out, kept on inside final 1f, never on .

NOSTRUM looked in fine shape on his first start since last August, but added another disappointing effort to his already patchy record, a change of tactics a factor, though he was giving his rider very little help at any stage, plenty to prove at the moment; held up, not settle fully, effort over 2f out, hung badly right, eased final 100 yds, made no impression.