Reality show one to savour

TIPS: Four-yearold can shine in Sandown feature

REGAL REALITY can take a step up in trip in his stride when he contests the Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown today.

The four-year-old has only been tried up to a mile so far and actually lined up on this same card last year, finishing down the field in the Heron Stakes.

He bounced back from that defeat to win a Group Three heat at Goodwood, before finding Here Comes When too good on very testing ground at Haydock and having to settle for third behind subsequent Group One winner Mustashry on his final start of 2018.

The current campaign did not get off to the best of starts as he claimed third over a mile at Sandown – but plenty conspired against him that day, including a slow start, a steady pace and a lost shoe.

He shaped as though a step up to 10 furlongs could bring about a bit of progression on that occasion, and his pedigree certainly suggests that too.

DEE EX BEE looked as though he might be the one to trouble Stradivarius for the stayers’ crown, judged on his return at Ascot earlier this month.

He impressed with his Sagaro success, overcoming a mid-race flat spot to stride clear in the final couple of furlongs and triumph by just over three lengths in style.

Dee Ex Bee is hard to side against in the Matchbook VIP Henry II Stakes on that basis.

His fellow Mark Johnston inmate DARK VISION can also take some cash back to Middleham via the Matchbook Low Commission Exchange Heron Stakes. He was outclassed in the 2000 Guineas, but remains of interest back at Listed level.

Listed honours are on offer at Goodwood, with SHAMBOLIC the choice of two runners for John Gosden in the Height Of Fashion Stakes.

STAR OF BENGAL can also strike for the yard in the Bet In Play At totesport.com Handicap at Chelmsford. A 10-length winner of a Wolverhampton maiden, he looks a horse on the upgrade.

FORM FANCIES: The Prof at Sandown Best bet: REGAL REALITY (7.35). Each-way double – MATEWAN (6.00) and WAR GLORY (8.40).