News

Liberate looks best at Sandown

Written by Press Association | Aug 7, 2025 6:21:51 AM

Liberate can make amends for a slightly disappointing effort last time out by landing the UP Handicap at Sandown on Thursday.

Trained by James Horton for owner Kirsten Rausing, Liberate made little impact on her only juvenile start last year but has shaped with more promise this term, winning one of her three starts to date.

That victory came at Goodwood in May when a switch back to turf after an all-weather outing seemed to suit, with Liberate edging a neck victory in a race that contained one previous winner as well as three subsequent victors.

Her recent fourth at Chester was a bit disappointing, as she did not quite see out the extended 2000m trip and easing back to 1800m here is a positive, with her unchanged mark of 82 seemingly competitive enough.

Corinth bypassed a Goodwood outing due to soft ground and the decision to wait can pay dividends in the Chasemore Farm EBF Maiden Stakes.

John and Thady Gosden's runner featured in a notable contest here last month when he came home fourth behind winner Pacifica Pier and narrow runner-up Publish, who has since gone on to victory and is already among the leading lights for next year's 2000 Guineas.

Corinth for his part was clearly very green and his 2.25-length fourth looks a nice bit of form.

Thunder Wonder did take his chance at Goodwood, coming home eighth in one of the typically competitive handicaps on the Sussex Downs.

Beaten a total of 8.5-lengths by Best Secret, Thunder Wonder perhaps did not enjoy the best of luck when having to wait slightly for a run, so the margin of defeat can be upgraded a touch.

While the bet365 Chelmsford City Cup at the Essex circuit is another class two test, it does not appear as deep as the Goodwood race and Thunder Wonder is the pick as bottom weight.

Piazza can make it third time lucky in the Weatherbys Global Stallions App EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Nottingham.

Behind subsequent Super Sprint winner Anthelia over 1000m on debut, she then edged up to 1200m to finish third at Chepstow last month, hardly helping her cause by taking a keen hold.

She stayed on for third and if she can curb her early enthusiasm, Piazza can turn in an improved effort.

Her fellow Ollie Sangster-trained runner Court Of Stars can make it an across-the-card double for the yard in Brighton's Alfriston Gardens Restricted Maiden Stakes. - Press Association

TAB is betting on 5 UK meetings on Thursday. Here are the tips.

BRIGHTON: Race 1: 15.10 River Wharfe, Race 2: 15.40 Medinilla, Race 3: 16.10 Court Of Stars, Race 4: 16.40 Neoma, Race 5: 17.10 Foinix, Race 6: 17.43 Neptune Legend.

NOTTINGHAM: Race 1: 15.20 Chasing Gold, Race 2: 15.50 Mare Of London, Race 3: 16.20 Piazza, Race 4: 16.50 Nightsinwhitesatin, Race 5: 17.20 Bette Davis Eyes, Race 6: 17.55 Tex.

CHELMSFORD: Race 1: 15.30 Amora Queen, Race 2: 16.00 Spirit Star, Race 3: 16.30 Master Dandy, Race 4: 17.00 Thunder Wonder, Race 5: 17.30 Sense Of Reason, Race 6: 18.00 Maeva.

CHEPSTOW: Race 1: 18.30 Bob Mali, Race 2: 19.00 Lir Speciale, Race 3: 19.30 Brian, Race 4: 20.00 Estrella Divina, Race 5: 20.30 Ancient Times, Race 6: 21.00 Per Contra, Race 7: 21.30 Crowd Quake.

SANDOWN: Race 1: 18.45 Inquisition, Race 2: 19.15 Back To Black, Race 3: 19.45 Corinth, Race 4: 20.15 LIBERATE (NAP), Race 5: 20.45 Padua, Race 6: 21.20 Newfangled.

ALL TO COME: Thunder Wonder (Chelmsford, Race 4) and Liberate (Sandown, Race 4).