Brioni is back at Sandown, where he has run so well several times in the past

August 29

Brioni produced a career-best performance on his last visit to Sandown in June, so, despite a subsequent disappointment in the prestigious John Smith’s Cup at York, he would have an each-way shout on his return to the Esher slopes on Saturday.

The form of Brioni’s Sandown win has received a handsome boost with both runner-up Miss Justice and fifth-placed Incensed having each won twice since, while Arqoob, who finished fourth, was a comfortable winner at Newmarket last Saturday.

Furthermore, Brioni ran much better than his finishing position of ninth suggests on the Knavesmire. There was the inevitable bunching for position ear;y on in the 18-strong field, and Brioni found himself shuffled towards the rear, not where jockey Rossa Ryan wanted to be.

However, Brioni battled his way on to the heels of the leading half-dozen up the straight, only to be flattened when trying to squeeze through a gap entering the final furlong, so Rossa sensibly did not give Brioni a hard race.

Our other Saturday runner is also at Sandown, with Deedaydiva trying to build on her promising debut at Newmarket three weeks ago when she runs in the fillies maiden.

Deedaydiva, a 65,000gns Breeze-Up purchase, made a very encouraging start at HQ, finishing third to what could be an above-average juvenile filly in Zanthos. Hector Crouch has been booked, and Deedaydiva, who was forced out wide in the last 300 yards, will have learned plenty from that first experience.