PUROSANGUE back to form in a close Gr.3 Coral Charge Stakes

PUROSANGUE showed his old spark on Saturday when narrowly missing out on the victory in the Group 3 Coral Charge at Sandown. Missing the break, he was forced to settle in behind and travelled fluently under jockey David Probert before the pair pulled out to make their challenge 2f out. He made up the ground with ease, relishing the soft conditions and held a great chance a furlong out, but things went the way of Ed Walker’s MAKAROVA, who was lucky in the draw and sat well-positioned to strike just in behind the leaders.  

It was a very encouraging run from PUROSANGUE, who overcame the difficult start and made ground in eye-catching fashion. He very much seems to be coming into form for the Andrew Balding team, whose horses have need a couple of runs to get going this season, and this opens up a number of exciting options for his campaign over the summer. 

He will next be targeted at the Stewards Cup at Glorious Goodwood on the 3rd of August - the richest 6f handicap offering just under £130,000 to the winner - which should be an ideal next step for him on what will be a competitive mark. 

TimeForm
Race Review

Time: 62.87s Closing Sectional: (2.00f): 24.95s


PUROSANGUE had shown he handled soft/heavy ground well at 2 yrs, including running Big Evs close in the Molecomb, and he found some improvement facing such conditions for the first time this year, belatedly confirming the promise of his return; held up, took keen hold, effort over 1f out, chased leader inside final 1f, stayed on.


A field of smart sprinters, bringing a mix of pattern race and good handicap form to the table, the first 2 having contested the King Charles III at Royal Ascot last time, proving more competive at this level.