15:00 Sandown

Friday 25 April 2025

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:45

bet365 Mile (Group 2)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 1m 43.53s

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Selected odds by:

(7)

Tamfana¹⁸⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Oisin Murphy| T: D Menuisier| OR: 116| CD

11/2

Very smart filly who was unlucky not to win 1000 Guineas. Decent efforts in defeat next 2 starts before stylish winner of the Sun Chariot back at Newmarket in October. Race possibly came too soon at Ascot a fortnight later but one to follow this year (carries Group 1 penalty here).

Form: 434113-

(5)

Alcantor²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A Fabre| OR: 114| D

9/2

Smart 4-time winner in France, picking up where he left off when last seen 5 months earlier with another Group 3 Saint-Cloud (1m, soft) success just under 4 weeks ago, having the run of the race and finding extra. Stable's runners always warrant respect on these shores and Ryan Moore booked.

Form: 63631-1

(6)

Cash²¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 108| D

20/1

Lightly raced for his age but proved he retains all his ability when third of 8 in listed race at this C&D (good) 7 months ago, left with too much to do. Definitely capable of winning at that level granted a clear run at his racing, but this a stiff task on reappearance (has been gelded).

Form: 3249/43-

(3)

Cicero's Gift¹⁸⁸

16/1

Made a successful return in strong C&D handicap last year. Failed to kick on, but did take a step back in the right direction returned to handicap company/soft ground when seventh of 20 at Ascot (1m) 7 months ago. Limitations already exposed at this level (gelded/had wind op prior to return).

Form: 7/17487-

(1)

Dancing Gemini²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R A Teal| OR: 116| D

5/2

Narrowly denied in French 2000 Guineas on reappearance last year but failed to kick in 4 starts on thereafter. However, he produced a visually taking display when winning 9-runner listed event at Doncaster on return and strong claims of emulating last year's winner Charyn in following up.

Form: 26654-1

(2)

Haatem³⁰⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: W Buick| T: R Hannon| OR: 116| D

15/2

Smart effort to win Craven on reappearance last year and even better form in defeat when placed in both 2000 Guineas next 2 outings. Regained the winning thread in 19-runner Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) 10 months ago and not seen since (withdrawn at start in Jacques le Marois).

Form: 55/1321-

(8)

Ice Max¹⁸⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 111| D

28/1

Much improved last year and took form to another level when a length too strong for Poker Face in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood in August. Well below best on final 2 starts of the campaign and faces a tough ask on reappearance (best efforts have come with plenty cut in the ground).

Form: 145149-

(4)

Lead Artist¹⁶¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: K Shoemark| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 117| BF| D

11/4

Took his form up a notch with a third success of the campaign in Darley Stakes at Newmarket (9f) in October, finding extra when challenged well inside final 1f. Creditable second on his first crack at 1¼m in Bahrain Trophy in November and likely to be a force at the highest level this season.

Form: 131212-

Forecasts

Dancing Gemini (5/2), Lead Artist (11/4), Alcantor (9/2), Tamfana (11/2), Haatem (15/2), Cicero's Gift (16/1), Cash (20/1), Ice Max (28/1)

An intriguing renewal of the bet365 Mile with far more strength in depth than has been the case in recent seasons. Preference is for LEAD ARTIST, who is likely to be a force at the highest level this season and represents the in-form Gosden team. His main threat may come from Dancing Gemini, who is hoping to emulate Charyn having bolted up on reappearance at Doncaster last month, while sole filly Tamfana can edge out French-raider Alcantor for minor honours.