SUPPORTERS of Rosarno can recoup any losses from last time by keeping the faith in the Boodles Diamond Handicap at Sandown.
Charlie Hills' runner was stepped up to 10 furlongs on his seasonal bow at Windsor last month, kicking off his handicap career on a mark of 83.
However, he was never a factor that day, with Andrea Atzeni easing him from some way out when it was obvious he had no chance of being in the money behind a horse that has since ran in the Derby.
While that was a letdown, a quick glance back to last year in the form book offers much more hope for the son of Fastnet Rock as he ran very green when fifth on his debut before stepping up on that to win a Newbury maiden over a mile in October.
Rosarno appeared good value for his half-length verdict that day, with no fewer than seven of those that finishing in behind having gone on to win subsequently.
That gives the form a very sound appearance and Rosarno should be better suited by the drop back to a mile, while the current ease in the ground is another plus along with his 2lb dip in the ratings.
Almoreb has first foray into handicap company for Richard Hannon and his initial perch of 82 looks most appealing.
Well beaten by Cracksman on his sole juvenile start, Almoreb righted that defeat with a cosy Newbury maiden win over seven furlongs last month.
Racing prominently that day, he showed a game attitude in the finish on easy ground and a step back up to a mile in the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity Handicap should be to his benefit.
Splash Around should thrive for the switch up to a mile and six furlongs in the Clarendelle, Inspired By Haut-Brion Handicap.
Yet to strike in four outings for Sir Michael Stoute, he has shaped as though trips in excess of middle distance would be right up his street.
Kharbetation can book his ticket for the Royal Hunt Cup with victory in the Weatherbys General Stud Book Online Handicap at Ripon.
A half-brother to the classy Breton Rock, he failed to make the track for Roger Varian and was subsequently transferred to David O'Meara's care last term after a gelding operation.
Kharbetation made a thoroughly impressive start for his new handler at Thirsk last July, winning by five lengths in the style of a potential Pattern performer.
Things have clearly not gone to plan since as he returns from a 313-day absence, but O'Meara can certainly get one ready first time up, and this has all the hallmarks of a prep run before a Royal Ascot challenge.
SELECTIONS
BANGOR: 2.20 Havana Beat, 2.50 Whos De Baby, 3.20 Western Miller, 3.50 Iora Glas, 4.20 Shantou Tiger, 4.50 Holryale.
CARLISLE: 6.10 Lil Gem, 6.40 Ajwan, 7.10 Musikel, 7.45 Torcello, 8.20 Cape Of Glory, 8.50 Chiwick Bey, 9.20 Mitchum.
HAYDOCK: 2.10 Kuraka, 2.40 Seyaady, 3.10 Snoop, 3.40 New Road Side, 4.10 Peach Melba, 4.40 Zenafire.
LEOPARDSTOWN: 5.50 Happily, 6.20 Ma Fee Heela, 6.50 Making Light, 7.25 Night Of Glory, 7.55 Rummaging, 8.30 Pirolo, 9.00 Time Dee.
RIPON: 2.00 Sandie Gem, 2.30 Springforth, 3.00 Sands Chorus, 3.30 Kharbetation, 4.00 Racemaker, 4.30 Anif, 5.00 Callaghan.
SANDOWN: 6.00 Utterly Charming, 6.30 Splash Around, 7.00 Almoreb, 7.30 ROSARNO (NAP), 8.05 Mafaaheem, 8.40 Gallifrey.
DOUBLE: Rosarno and Kharbetation.
