Hannon's star pupil Etonian seeks to pass first big test in Sandown feature

3.40 Sandown
Betway Solario Stakes (Group 3) | 7f | 2yo | ITV3/RTV

The best winners of the Solario, the likes of Kingman, Masar and Too Darn Hot, have come into the race off just one or two previous runs. Kameko, runner-up to Positive last year, also came in off his debut win.

Things are generally different this year with the longer-distance two-year-old races. It should in theory bend towards those with less experience. Of the seven runners, the only one who has hinted at real star quality is Etonian.

Etonian made his debut over course and distance, sent off at 28-1. The way he picked his way through, in spite of traffic problems, before sprinting clear marked him out as a potentially smart performer. He is bred to stay a mile or more next year, but looks to have a fairly quick stride so staying at seven furlongs should not be a problem.

Etonian comes through to win on his Sandown debutCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Conversely, second-favourite Dubai Fountain is more of a known quantity and will probably have an interest in making it a true test. She stays the trip well, being set for 1m2f next year if her pedigree is any guide, and tends to make the running. Her two second-placed finishes at Pattern level naturally set a high standard.

Most of the other runners fit into the mould of coming here from maidens. That is exaggerated this season, with quite a few of them being trusted to improve from a level that was not good enough to win on debut into being competitive at Group level. If ever there was a time to gamble on that sort of readiness, it is now.

The most interesting in that regard is not King Vega, who seemed to know his job pretty well on debut, but Dinoo. He went off 50-1 at Newmarket and ran green most of the way, even carrying his head high as he kept on to finish a neck second. The horse that beat him was Dhahabi, who was second in last week's Denford Stakes but still advanced his form, if not his reputation, in defeat.

Unfortunately, a field of seven means this is no great race for each-way betting. If Etonian is feared too much, which would be understandable, keep an eye out for which among the likes of Dinoo shapes with promise on this early promotion to Group level.

Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Richard Hughes, trainer of Dinoo
He is a big, raw baby and has got ability. The owner was keen to run in a nice race and I think it will be as easy to be placed here as it would be to win a decent maiden. The stiff seven furlongs should suit him but I wouldn't like to see the race turn into a sprint as that may not play to his strengths.

Dinoo (left): second to Dhahabi on debut at NewmarketCredit: Mark Cranham/Pool

Richard Hannon, trainer of Etonian
He has always worked like a very good horse but then he hit a bit of a growing patch. I don't know why he started 28-1 at Sandown. I didn't back him but I should have done. For one of ours to win like that first time out makes me think he probably is a very good horse and anything other than a win will be disappointing. His owner has received a lot of interest in the horse already but it's a while since she's had a really good one and I'd say it will take lottery winnings money for her to be parted from him.

Nick Bradley, part-owner of Forever Grateful
She had been working well prior to her Doncaster debut. That was over seven furlongs but Ben Curtis really liked her and felt if the race had been over a mile or even seven and a half furlongs she would have won. This is a step up in grade but I felt this was a good opportunity for a well-bred filly. I think she is an evens shot to finish in the first three.

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