Ispolini narrowly denied in Sandown Classic Trial

Progressive Dubawi colt Ispolini was headed approaching the line when beaten a short-head in the G3 Classic Trial over a mile and a quarter at Sandown Park, UK, on Friday, 27 April.

The three-year-old, representing Charlie Appleby, broke well and led early on towards the centre of the course before tacking across to settle a close second of the seven runners behind Chilean.

Ispolini was angled out by William Buick in the straight and quickened to join Chilean passing the two-furlong marker before taking up a narrow advantage just over a furlong from home.

The Godolphin runner ran on, despite drifting right towards the far rail, but was collared in the closing stages by Sevenna Star, who won in 2m 14.13s on good to soft ground, with a length and a quarter back to Hunting Horn in third.

Alex Merriam, assistant trainer to Charlie Appleby, commented: “We are really pleased with the run of Ispolini.

“He is probably going to be a middle distance horse and we could either remain at this trip or look at stepping him up.

“He handled the ground well and that was his first run of the year, so hopefully he will come on for it.”

William Buick added: “Ispolini travelled well and kept on strongly to the line.

“This was only the third run of his life and he will come on for his seasonal return.

“It was a good performance and we are pleased with him."