Timeform Daily: Friday, Sandown 14:45

Roger Varian: Trainer of Farraaj.

Timeform analyse the Group 2 Mile on Sandown's excellent Friday card...

Libranno looked as good as ever last term, winning 3 times, including Group 2 at Doncaster in Septemeber under Fallon. Could be worth another try at this trip and can't rule out if rain stays away.

Chil The Kite was much improved last year, bagging 1m handicaps at Doncaster and Ascot before showing smart form to win listed race at Chantilly. Flopped on heavy going final run and not to be underestimated.

Farraaj was smart and progressive as a 2-y-o, winning twice before rounding off with third in Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Lightly raced since but looked as good as ever when winning Winter Derby last time.

Highland Knight looked better than ever last year, winning listed race at Pontefract and Group 2 event at Baden-Baden. Shaped as if needing run on recent return and claims if back to best.

Red Duke has often been highly tried, and seemed to appreciate the drop to handicap company when shaping well at Meydan last 2 starts. Likely to prove vulnerable back at this level, though.

Stand My Ground was a useful winner in France and ran well when second on return/debut for this yard in listed race at Doncaster 2 weeks ago. More required at this level but that's not impossible.

Trumpet Major enjoyed successful 2-y-o campaign, and confirmed himself smart when winning 2 Group 3's last year. Well below form when last seen but reportedly scoped badly, and big chance if back to his best.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Farraaj
2. Trumpet Major
3. Libranno

Timeform Verdict: Not the strongest race for the grade on paper and a good opportunity for Farraaj to add to his Winter Derby success. Richard Hannon's pair Trumpet Major and Libranno are others to consider. 

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