Sandown preview: Under Attack primed to open account

Under Attack can build on a highly promising debut run to open his account in the 7f maiden on this evening’s card at Sandown (19.10).

The Sir Michael Stoute trained colt shaped like a sure fire future winner when an eye-catching fourth of 12 to Ibn Malik at Newmarket last month.

After being held-up off the pace, Under Attack showed distinct signs of greenness when pushed along and asked to close but when the penny did drop ran on strongly under tender handling to be closing at the finish and beaten five lengths.

It was a taking performance and the form has received a boost as the third home Johns Splendid, who had experience going into the contest, has since come out out and scored in facile fashion at Haydock.

Like most debutantes from the Stoute yard, Under Attack looks sure to come on a bundle for the run and the well-bred son of Dubawi holds an entry in next year’s Investec Derby.

Under Attack is clearly held in some regard by connections, and he can take this before going on to better things.

Rocket Rob has an excellent record at the track and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to score an overdue success in the 5f handicap that closes proceedings (20.50).

The Willie Musson trained gelding is a four-time course and distance winner, and the last of those victories came back in August 2013 off a mark of 75.

Since then the nine-year-old has managed to make the frame just twice in 16 starts, but Rocket Rob has often shaped better than the final finishing position suggests.

The veteran is a hold-up performer who needs the gaps to open at the right time, but when they do he is more than capable of winning class 4 contest like this.