Sandown Preview: Provenance and Moore look the real deal

Provenance posted a cracking effort last time out, and looks a worthy favourite to land the 1m 2f Listed contest on today’s card at Sandown (15.55).

The Sir Michael Stoute trained filly caught the eye in no uncertain fashion when an unlucky fifth of 13 to Mahssob in the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot.

After being held-up at the rear by jockey Ryan Moore, Provenance had to be switched right when denied a clear run a furlong from home and was then forced to go back inside after encountering more trouble.

When the four-year-old eventually did see daylight she finished with a real rattle to be gaining all the way to the line and beaten just 1 3/4 lengths.

In the circumstances it was an excellent run given how the race panned out, and one which suggested Provenance needed keeping firmly onside.

The daughter of Galileo also finished 1/2 a length in front of the sixth home Fattsota, who got the run of the race upfront, and should have little difficulty confirming the places with that rival.

Provenance also remains open to improvement after just seven starts, and with Moore once again in the saddle can take this before going on to better things.

Moore looks to have leading claims of landing a treble on the card courtesy of Soapy Aitken in the 5f Listed contest (14.50) and Cartago in the 7f maiden (15.20).

Soapy Aitken is held in very high regard by trainer Clive Cox, and after winning his first two starts in good style ran very well to finish fourth of 27 to Washington DC in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The son of Pastoral Pusuits showed plenty of pace to chase the leaders on the far side and kept on well to be beaten 2 1/2 lengths.
That is strong form, and Soapy Aitken looks the type who is open to further progress.