An easy winner at Nottingham on his second start having been well-held on debut, the Panis colt had his rivals in trouble from halfway on the Knavesmire and found plenty to go away again under Paul Hanagan.
Invincible Army looked a real danger heading towards the furlong marker, but Sands Of Mali (14/1) had plenty in reserve and looked better the further he went as his better-fancied rivals battled for minor honours.
James Tate's runner did cling on for second, with Headway and Cardsharp dead-heating for third.
Hanagan said: "He's a bit inexperienced, but he pinged the gates and showed a great cruising speed. He took some pulling up.
"I think this year is just a bonus with him, he's only going to improve. I'm looking forward to next year - he'll just keep getting better and better.
"I wouldn't be afraid where he goes now, to be honest, but I'll leave that to the boss."
Fahey said: "That's brilliant, I've been second in it three times I think, even with Ribchester, so I've been desperate to tick it off my list.
"I couldn't believe it when he got beat first time, but that's racing.
"I know he was 14/1 but he didn't know that, we've always really liked him. "This is a big deal for us, I'm chuffed."
He went on: "He's in everything, like the Middle Park and what have you, it looks a big shout entering these horses when they've only won a maiden but you have to do it."
Sky Bet inserted the winner at 16/1 for next summer's Commonwealth Cup, the Group One Royal Ascot sprint for three-year-olds.
Spokesman Michael Shinners said: "What a great result for Sporting Life columnist Richard Fahey and all of his team, but the best could yet be to come according to the winning rider.
"The Commonwealth Cup looks an obvious long-term target given the horse's sprinting pedigree and the raw speed he showed at York, with 16/1 our first show."
Trainer James Tate said of the runner-up: "I'm feeling mixed emotions, nobody likes finishing second. Having beaten Cardsharp and Headway, it represents a step up on his form.
"He's a big horse and can only keep on improving. We will look at the Mill Reef and the Middle Park, but we want to avoid soft ground."
William Haggas' said of Headway: "I'm satisfied, I wouldn't say I was happy. Judging on that run I think it's time to step him up in trip."
Related links
Sky Bet's Commonwealth Cup market
Richard Fahey's exclusive column
Nakeeta denies favourite to win Ebor
More from Ebor day at York
