British Spot Plays: Sandown for April 24, 2026

Three stakes highlight the Friday card at Sandown, highlighted by an outstanding renewal of the Sandown Mile (G2) and the Classic Trial (G3) for aspiring Epsom Derby (G1) candidates. I'll be taking a swing at both after whiffing on a couple of plays last Saturday at Newbury.

Despite that setback, the British bankroll is still in the black. The balance sits at $689 from a $500 starting point, so our first Sandown win play will be for $34.

Race 4: Sandown Mile (G2), 10 a.m. ET

Dynamic winner of the Craven (G3), Irish 2000 Guineas (G1), and St James's Palace (G1) last season, Field of Gold is an understandable early favorite. However, he lost three other races last term at short odds, albeit for varying and sometimes excusable reasons.

If Field of Gold happens to be similarly vulnerable on his seasonal reappearance, #3 Zeus Olympios (2-1) looks like a solid alternative. Although far more late-developing than his gray rival, Zeus Olympios turned heads in September with back-to-back scores in the Superior Mile (G3) and Joel (G2), suggesting he could be of Group 1 quality at age four.

This is essentially a Group 1, given the composition of the field, but Zeus Olympios should not be underestimated.

Race 5: Classic Trial (G3), 10:35 a.m. ET

This 10-furlong test has an early favorite, Action, who didn't finish far behind the likes of Bow Echo and Hawk Mountain in the Royal Lodge (G2) and Futurity Trophy (G1), respectively.

I'm intrigued, though, by second-time starter #4 Raaheeb (3-1). A royally-bred son of Sea the Stars, he's a full brother to superstar miler Baaeed and the multiple Group 1-winning middle distancer Hukum.

There was certainly nothing wrong with Raaheeb's debut at Ascot over seven furlongs last September. Although he concedes relative experience, the potential is undoubtedly there, and the price figures to be fair.