Sandown preview: Brando ready to take Charge

David Metcalf | July 1, 2016

Brando to take centre stage in Coral Charge

Brando has a progressive profile and can take the step up into Group 3 company in his stride to land the Coral Charge at Sandown (14:00).

The Kevin Ryan trained gelding scored in terrific style on return to action at Newmarket, travelling powerfully throughout before surging clear to score by 3 1/4 lengths.

It was a performance which suggested Brando was a sprinter who needed keeping firmly onside, and that view was confirmed when he finished an unlucky second of 17 to Duke Of Firenze at York.

After being slowly away, Brando found himself well off the pace before coming with a real rattle to be beaten just 3/4 of a length.

Cracking run in Wokingham

The four-year-old backed that up with a cracking head second in the ultra-competitive Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot, where he looked all over the winner two from home when challenging on the bridle before getting chinned close home.

Judge on those efforts, the son of Pivotal should be well up to making his mark in this company, and Brando looks the type who should have plenty more to offer.

With Tom Eaves in the saddle, he can take this en route to even better things.