Sands Of Mali on Commonwealth Cup path after Sigy win

Prix Sigy (Group 3) | 3yo | 6f Turf

Last season's Gimcrack hero Sands Of Mali produced a fine effort under Paul Hanagan to overhaul Alistair, his first success since his Group 2 breakthrough at York last August.

"He didn't stay in America and I don't know what happened at Newmarket [in the Middle Park] but we like the horse a lot," said Fahey.

"It's nice to get him back winning and he's done very well physically over the winter. He was a typical breeze-up horse and was very keen last year but this year he is a different horse. As a matter of fact I thought he looked quite fat beforehand. Paul said he needed it but it's a good start.

"He showed a bit of guts because he looked at one stage like he might be dropping away. Paul felt he might have just been looking for the gap where he came out [onto the racecourse]."

Sands Of Mali with jockey Paul Hanagan and trainer Richard Fahey after winning the Group 3 Prix Sigy at ChantillyCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

This race was the springboard for Quiet Reflection ahead of her Commonwealth Cup success two years ago and trainer Richard Fahey has a similar programme in mind for the son of Panis, who carries the colours of the Cool Silk partnership.

Sands Of Mali was a best-priced 25-1 for the Ascot Group 1 before his win but was no bigger than 16-1 with William Hill after sticking on well to score by a short neck.

"Ascot is the plan and we'll definitely go to Haydock in between," said Fahey. "He is a horse that needs racing and I wanted to get a run into him so this race came at the right time. After that the Maurice de Gheest [at Deauville] is the one I really want. That's high on his agenda because I think six and a half will be his trip."

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