WISDOM

THERE’S a decent card at Sandown today with the most interesting race being the Atlanta Stakes. At first glance it looks set up for Sir Michael Stoute’s three-year-old filly Veracious.

She’s dropped in class having snaffled two thirdplaced finishes in the Coronation Stakes and Nassau Stakes on her last two outings.

The daughter of Frankel has the trainer, the pedigree and the jockey (Ryan Moore) to suggest she just needs to turn up to win this six-runner contest before she steps back up in class.

The only thing not to like is the price, which I spotted at glance number two. She’s currently an odds-on shot. Veracious (a description you only ever see before the word ‘appetite’) does start to look a little more vulnerable when you dig down on her form.

She’s only ever won one minor event at Newmarket in her four starts.

There is a likelihood of a tactical slow early pace and, even if Moore forces the issue and goes off in front, Veracious could be susceptible to a late charge at the death I like the look of LAUGH ALOUD (two words you only ever see in relation to my tipping prowess). John Gosden’s five-year-old GAMBLING demonstrated a great turn of pace when quickening clear at Epsom last year, winning by a healthy five-length margin. She only ran three times last term, winning twice, the other victory coming over today’s distance at Goodwood. In 2016 she had five outings, winning twice and finishing runner-up on the other three occasions. So what you’re backing if you have a punt on Laugh Aloud is an experienced, consistent performer who is proven over the trip. The only niggling concern is that she hasn’t raced yet this season, so the market may provide a decent insight into how well she’s fancied. I’ve already struck my bet, so there’s every chance she’ll drift. Will Rogers