King Air to blow rivals away

The five-year-old was making eye-catching late headway when fourth last time in a MR 72 Handicap behind Wind At Your Back over 1200m at this track. That was his first run for his current trainer and his first on the sand and it was a good one.

However, the Strike Smartly gelding has drawn widest stall so will need luck in running.

Restraint Of Trade from the Vernon Rugg yard looks the biggest threat, having won two of his last three starts. Jockey Sherman Brown raced wide aboard the gelding last time but fought off the much-improved Dubai Destination, who has a chance in this event, before scoring by 0.50 lengths.

Stable companion Milkwood Manor is distance suited and is running well for his new yard but also has a deep draw in stall No 15 to overcome.

Thunderstruck looks a different horse this season and stepped up on his previous run when second to Weather Eye, thrashing Shavar by 3.50 lengths.

Others who need to be considered are Dubai Destination, With Passion, Quick Glance, Hlamba and Beepbeep.