Timeform Daily: Friday, Sandown 16:00

Friday's Race of The Day comes from Sandown

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to a ten-furlong listed event at Sandown on Friday...

Afsare won this race 12 months ago before showing improved form in defeat afterwards. This much easier than the Group 1 he contested at Royal Ascot and leading contender once again.

Black Spirit was better than ever when landing handicap at Doncaster and 11f Group 3 in September. Promise on hurdling debut (for Nicky Henderson) but ran poorly in that sphere at Kempton in May.

David Livingstone was a smart juvenile for Aidan O'Brien in 2011, winning Beresford Stakes. Ran really good race when fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup last time but this demands more in a hot race of its type.

Dick Doughtywylie is a lightly-raced 5-y-o who has shown improved form when fifth at Group 3 level on first 2 starts this year. Ran poorly back in handicap last time and might find a few of these too strong.

Mandour is a lightly-raced French raider who ran comfortably his best race so far when close third in Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp in May. Still capable of better and interesting contender.

Mendip won the second round of the Maktoum Challenge in 2012 but not as good in 4 starts since then. Took little interest in Group 1 when last seen in March and risky tried in headgear.

Sri Putra is a very smart performer on his day and return of headgear worked when winning York Group 2 last summer. Didn't show much at Epsom on return but can't discount in this company.

World Domination made a most impressive start to career in Newbury maiden in 2011 and fourth in Dante on next start. Gone the wrong way since, however, and plenty to prove for now. Blinkers tried for the first time.

Van Der Neer was a smart juvenile, second in Racing Post Trophy. Stepped up on return when third in 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Flopped in Irish version next time but back on track at Royal Ascot last time. Respected.

Excess Knowledge won a 1m maiden here on debut and good second in listed event at Newbury next time. Failed to fire in Group 2 when last seen in September but still unexposed and longer trip should help.

Mirsaale booked his place in the Derby field with success in the 1m trial at Epsom in April. Didn't cut much ice in the big race, however, and opposable despite drop in grade here.
 
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mandour
2. Afsare
3. Excess Knowledge

Timeform View: Last year's winner Afsare should make a bold bid to defend his crown but it looks a deeper race this time around and he may have to give best to Mandour. Still unexposed, he ran a cracker when third in Group 1 company last time and can justify the cross-channel excursion. Excess Knowledge may have more to come this year and could prove pick of the Classic crop.

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