Sandown 3:47 Result

Whiskey Bent's form figures (731) show a recent, clear-cut win last time out, improving with racing, and he carries the second-highest weight in the field off an OR of 82 which looks fair given the trajectory. The headgear (hood) addition often sharpens up a colt who is learning, and Jason Watson takes over which suggests stable confidence. He's up against Cilician who has more experience (202284) and a slightly higher OR, but Cilician's profile of mixed placings suggests a level below scoring freely, and his last two runs (8,4) hint at a slight dip in form compared to Whiskey Bent's trajectory. Norham (41) and Drum Bay (23) both look progressive too, but Norham is stepping up in grade off just two runs, and Drum Bay was beaten in a maiden last time, suggesting he's not quite battle-hardened enough yet for a competitive nursery. Tiora Time (312) has solid figures but is dropping in class from a place perspective and lacks the killer instinct shown by a proper scorer. Whiskey Bent's trainer Dylan Cunha has a knack for placing improving 2yos to win, and the manner of the recent victory (from 7-3-1 sequence) suggests a horse peaking at the right time. He looks the classiest and most progressive type in this field, worth taking on the presumed favourite Cilician who hasn't strung together the same level of improvement.