20:30 Belfield (Q.R.) Race

Race preview

The lightly-raced OKITA SOUSHI ran a cracker when staying on well for third in a Royal Ascot handicap and the extra furlong here will be a help to him. Joseph O'Brien's charge, a maiden winner at Fairyhouse last year and runner-up in a Listed race at the Curragh on seasonal debut, is open to more improvement and the winner of his race at Ascot franked the form last weekend. Shanroe won a premier handicap at the Curragh last year and was a fine fourth in the Ebor. He may be better for this first run of the year but loves good ground and merits plenty of respect. Sandhurst has a lofty rating after finishing runner-up in last year's Chester Vase but hasn't been since. He starts off for new connections here and the market will be informative, while the selection's stablemate Shoshone Warrior has some good C&D form including a close third in last year's renewal.