SANDOWN PARK 15:00

All 6 ran.

Time: 1m 43.12s Closing Sectional: (3f): 37.05s (104.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 108%, Betfair SP 100.7%

With Laugh Aloud ridden much more patiently than usual and clearly shaping as if in need of the run, Veracious was left with a straightforward task and didn't need to improve to get off the mark for the year down in grade, the form looking that of an average renewal of the race, the pace quickening in the straight, a handy position something of an advantage.

VERACIOUS with the form pick Laugh Aloud in need of the run, didn't need to improve down in grade to gain a first win of the year, the drop back in trip no problem, just taking a while to master a willing but inferior rival; close up, took keen hold, challenged after 3f out, led under pressure over 1f out, kept on, pushed out; she's still likely to progress further, though there's every chance, back in Group 1 company, that she will be overbet next time.

AWESOMETANK ran well upped in grade, as usual impressing with her attitude, just outclassed in the closing stages; led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, stuck to task.

WINTER LIGHTNING (IRE) back on turf, shaped encouragingly after 6 months off, confirming herself a smart filly, probably able to build further on this, perhaps when tried again over further; waited with, effort over 2f out, edged right, kept on inside final 1f.

LAUGH ALOUD had much the best form, but having missed the second half of last year with a set-back, she was very much ridden with an eye to the future on her first start in 15 months, looking to be carrying some condition and much more patiently ridden than usual, sympathetically handled once it was clear she wasn't going to land a blow; held up, pushed along after 3f out, no extra over 1f out, not persevered with once held, never on terms; she holds a host of Group 1 entries, which is encouraging, and her next run is likely to reveal much better just how much ability she retains.

CLON COULIS (IRE) wasn't disgraced, up in grade, the run of the race suiting her rather less well than those on her last 2 starts had; held up, ridden 3f out, made little impression.

NEW DAY DAWN (IRE) ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade, her price fairly reflecting her chance; handy, shaken up 3f out, weakened over 1f out; she's been a bit overfaced on her last 2 starts, though obviously was rewarded with black type last time.