Plenty of life in old boy Brando as veteran sprinter begins another season

3.45 Doncaster
Unibet Cammidge Trophy Stakes (Listed) | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV/Sky

Revenge is a dish best served cold. That will be the belief of Brando's connections after the doughty nine-year-old was narrowly denied a first domestic Group 1 victory on Champions Day at Ascot in October.

It's a long road back to that contest, but there is no doubt that Brando will attempt to make it sixth-time lucky in gaining his elusive Champions Sprint success. The Cammidge Trophy is his starting point this year and ratings suggest he is the clear standout.

You don't see too many nine-year-olds competing at this level on the Flat and regression is guaranteed at some stage. It's down to his exceptional constitution and training regime that he managed to perform within 1lb of his career-best last season.

Consistency and Brando go hand-in-hand, although his desire for cut in the ground has become more prevalent as he's aged and Friday's rainfall will have helped his cause given the lack of grass cover.

It is clear he doesn't need to run up to his best to enter the winner's enclosure, but a reproduction of last year's peak form on his return from an absence is unlikely.

Race fitness doesn't have to be taken on trust for the David O'Meara-trained Summerghand, who returns to turf after three spins on the all-weather.

A course-and-distance scorer who posted a series of creditable efforts in big-field handicaps last season, headlined by a last-gasp win in the Stewards' Cup in first-time cheekpieces, Summerghand looks to have retained all of his ability with back-to-back RPRs of 114. Sharpness could tilt things in his favour.

Royal Commando and Emaraaty Ana standout as the runners likely to produce their best efforts fresh and shouldn't be dismissed at bigger prices. A quick glance at the form book tells you the duo could be ready to roll first time up.

Just Frank: joker in the pack off a mark of 101 with further improvement likelyCredit: Getty Images

The same can be said for Just Frank, who is obviously the joker in the pack. With a mark of 101, further improvement likely and a 12lb weight-for-age allowance, speedball Just Frank is worthy of serious attention.

After a monstrous performance at Newmarket last autumn, trainer Les Eyre hinted that Royal Ascot was this year's target. A big performance would tickle those aspirations.

However, trends suggest he has a hard task as no three-year-old has won this race since Falcon Hill in 2002, and 13 have tried.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

'There's plenty of life in the old dog yet'

Brando is the oldest runner in the field but connections believe there is "life in the old dog yet" as he prepares to make his 45th start.

The nine-year-old, who will be partnered by Tom Eaves, ran in a number of Group races last season and produced his best display when a narrow second in the Champions Sprint at Ascot in October.

"He looks as well as ever," said Adam Ryan, assistant trainer to his father Kevin. "He produced a huge run to finish second at Ascot in the Champions Sprint – there's plenty of life in the old dog yet.

"He's worked well at home and this seems like a nice starting point for him. He's also run well off a break before, so we're hopeful."

The yard will also be represented by Emaraaty Ana, who finished down the field in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes on his last start.

"He ran well a couple of times last season but the ground went against him in the Nunthorpe," added Ryan. "He's been gelded and had a wind op since, so hopefully he can bounce back to form."

What they say

Karl Burke, trainer of Ainsdale
He’s got the potential to be a Group horse on soft ground, but that’s key to him. We might have to make a late decision as to whether he runs or not having seen what the ground is like. He’s a lovely animal and we’re pleased with him coming into the race.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Chiefofchiefs
He's in good form and this has been the plan for some time. He's good first time out and ran a stormer at Doncaster last time, when he was unlucky not to finish third. We would like a bit of rain for him and if the ground is too quick he could be a possible non-runner.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Royal Commando
He's been working with Khaadem through the quicker ground should be fine. He's got a little bit to find but has winning form at the track.

David O'Meara, trainer of Summerghand
Summerghand has been running well during the winter and I’d like to think he’d have a chance. Brando’s rated higher than him but we’ve had a couple of runs, so that might bring them closer together.

Clive Cox, trainer of Tis Marvellous
He’s in good form but he could do without there being too much more rain.

Les Eyre, trainer of Just Frank
He's ready to go but we could do with a bit of rain. We've always thought a lot of him and he won't lack for fitness. He ran consistently well last year, including when second in the Listed Doncaster Stakes.
Reporting by Jonathan Harding

Read more of Saturday's previews. . .

Top trainer quotes for the Lincoln, the first big Flat handicap of the season

Roger Varian: 'He has race-fitness on his side and he's quite a smart horse'

'We've not got to the bottom of him yet' – Loughnane bullish about Dark Pine

Rose Of Arcadia looks a talented mare ready to bloom for Cheveley Park

Place bets with seven bookmakers without leaving the free Racing Post app. Same prices, same offers, live video. Every race, every day. Search 'Racing Post App' to download for free