Three Notable Points: Chris Cook Highlights Standout Performances from Televised Sandown and Market Rasen Races

The roan won for Wesley Ward in August before fetching $150,000 at auction. He was then second twice for his new owner before the decision was made to send him to Britain. When last seen, he saw his race out strongly to be beaten a neck by Godolphin’s Hedwig at Del Mar in November. In the US, he wasn’t the fastest breaker from the stalls but I have a feeling he’ll be quick enough to at least match strides in this company.

He’s a Dark Angel half-brother to last year’s Beverley Bullet winner, Kerdos. Richard Fahey’s team has a modest strike-rate so far this year but the trainer won the Nell Gwyn with an 18-1 shot and it may also be dangerous to underestimate Dark Vintage. The Gosden-trained filly has managed to get withdrawn twice by ditching her jockey en route to the start and then running loose, at Nottingham in October (when she was 6-4f) and at Newbury a week ago (11-4f). Kieran Shoemark will try to make sure she doesn’t get the hat-trick up.

Her October debut was encouraging and there seems to be a good word for her but the daughter of Camelot hasn’t been the most trustworthy. Gloire D’Athon peaked at this time last year, scoring at Sandown’s finale meeting and again at Uttoxeter in May.