Brando and Sands Of Mali clash at Hamilton in the race not to miss on Thursday

3.30 Hamilton
British Stallion Studs Clyde EBF Conditions Stakes (Class 2) | 6f | 3yo+| RTV

Why is it interesting?

Scarcely do we see multiple Group 1 winners putting their credentials on the line at conditions level but Hamilton serves up a Thursday delight as sprinting stalwarts Brando and Sands Of Mali lock horns in a six-runner contest.

This assignment will act as a warm-up for further riches later in the season, with Ascot specialist Sands Of Mali destined for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and Newmarket lover Brando bound for another July Cup bid.

The race carries further intrigue with the presence of the Andrew Balding-trained Donjuan Triumphant, who is capable of mixing it with with the very best sprinters in the land when conditions come right.

Or could an improver emerge from the pack? Fighting Irish belied odds of 100-1 to finish two and three quarter lengths behind Sands Of Mali when eighth in last season's Commonwealth Cup and could be the type to stride through the ranks this year.

The field is completed by freshman trainer Phillip Makin's representative Lahore and the Keith Dalgleish-trained Lomu.

The going is soft with more rain forecast, which will only serve to enhance the claims of the key market protagonists with each boasting high-class form with juice underfoot.

What do the stats say?

Lomu is 2-2 at the course and is partnered by Danny Tudhope, who is operating at a 26 per cent strike-rate in the last fortnight.

Silvestre de Sousa has a 37 per cent strike-rate when teaming up with Andrew Balding this season and rides Donjuan Triumphant.

Sands Of Mali has a 100 per cent strike-rate on soft ground.

What do the trainers say?

Kevin Ryan, trainer of Brando
He's in great form. This fits nicely in his programme as he's not going to Ascot and he'll head straight to the July Cup at Newmarket after this. He's versatile regarding ground nowadays, we know he'll handle conditions and we're very happy with him.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Donjuan Triumphant
He's always competitive at a good level when he gets his ground which he seems to have here. He meets two very strong opponents but conditions will suit and he should go well. He'll continue to go wherever the ground suits.

Harry Dunlop, trainer of Fighting Irish
He picked up a little injury at the end of last season and his form wasn't so good. He had a comeback run at Newbury but got a little bit tired. Obviously it's a tough race but he'll love the ground and we might look at something like the Wokingham after this if he runs well.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Sands Of Mali
We're happy with him. He goes on any ground but handles cut better than most and we're using this a prep run for the Diamond Jubilee. He should strip fitter afterwards.

What do our tipsters say?

A cracking sprint in which last autumn's Ascot Group 1 winner SANDS OF MALI is taken to bounce to form with the ground in his favour.
Andrew Sheret

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