14:58 Haydock

Saturday 23 May 2026

All13:4514:2014:5815:3016:0516:4017:15

William Hill Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2)

3YO only | Class 1 | 6f | 8 Runners | Turf

(8)

Aqpan⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: P Mulrennan| T: R Varian| OR: 100

50/1

Off the mark in a maiden at Southwell in March. Ran his best race when sixth in the Greenham in April but lacked pace when eighth of 10 in a listed race over this trip at Newbury 7 days ago. Tough task.

Form: 22-168

(1)

Brussels^t²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 109| D

8/1

Runner-up 3 times in Group company last autumn but only sixth of 8 at Ascot in a Group 3 on return from 6 months off 22 days ago. Makes a relatively quick return but hails from top yard that has seen a few of their charges need their reappearance runs so he's not one to write off.

Form: 24222-6

(6)

Coppull²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: C G Cox| OR: 110| D

7/2

Third in the Middle Park last September before a 7-month break and then returned in top form when winning a Group 3 at Ascot 22 days ago. Should once more be in the mix back up to Group 2 level but did enjoy tactical advantages last time and may not confirm that form with Division.

Form: 13153-1

(4)

Division²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W J Haggas| OR: 106| CD

5/2

Won over C&D in September and peaked as a 2-y-o when winning listed race at York. Took form up a notch when good third of 8 in Group 3 at Ascot on return from 7 months off 22 days ago, finishing close behind Coppull despite not getting race run to suit, and he's well fancied to reverse the form.

Form: 21115-3

(2)

Five Ways²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding| OR: 104| D

10/1

Looked promising last year when winning twice and then finishing fourth of 9 in the Middle Park on final outing. Unsuited by the drop back to 5f when seventh of 14 in a Group 3 at Newmarket on return from 7 months off 21 days ago and has a bit to find for all return to 6f is sure to help.

Form: 4114-7

(5)

Rock On Thunder²⁴⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: K Stott| T: K A Ryan| OR: 110| BF| D

12/1

Best race last year when close second in the Gimcrack at York last August (not strong form) but ran poorly when sixth of 8 in a Group 2 at Newbury in September on soft ground. Faces stiff task on return, but drying ground will help.

Form: 19226-

(7)

Spicy Marg²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Oisin Murphy| T: M L W Bell| OR: 103| D

11/1

Useful filly who ended her 2-y-o campaign with a 6f listed success and she ran as well as could be as expected when highly tried in 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on recent return from 6 months off. Drops back in trip/class here.

Form: 51041-8

(3)

Venetian Sun²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 114| D

9/4

Won first 4 starts at 5f/6f before third in the Moyglare on final 2-y-o start in September. Likely stretched by step up to 1m when 11th of 19 in the 1000 Guineas on recent return from 8 months off. Should be fitter and this drop to 6f looks sure to suit so she's one to take seriously.

Form: 11113-0

Forecasts

Venetian Sun (9/4), Division (3/1), Coppull (4/1), Brussels (6/1), Rock On Thunder (10/1), Five Ways (10/1), Spicy Marg (16/1), Aqpan (50/1)

DIVISION can resume winning ways after showing improved form when third in a Group 3 at Ascot 22 days ago, looking unlucky after blowing the start and he should prove up to reversing that form with Coppull. Venetian Sun drops back to 6f having struggled at 7f+ and could well prove his biggest danger.