July 2nd, 2015 | 
Author: In the 3.50 at Sandown on Friday, Richard Johnson has a 4-9 (44%) strike rate…
2.50 Sandown, Friday, July 3
The Racing UK Day Pass Dragon Stakes (2.50) at Sandown on Friday features a showdown between Riflescope and Soapy Aitken, who both ran creditably in defeat at Royal Ascot last month.
Riflescope, who’d been well beaten in a conditions race, over 6 furlongs, at Newbury on his previous start, proved something of a revelation at Ascot, staying on to finish fourth, beaten 1½ lengths, behind Waterloo Bridge in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes. Soapy Aitken, on the other hand, headed to Ascot unbeaten after winning a maiden at Leicester and a three-runner conditions race at Windsor (both at odds on), but made further progress when finishing fourth, beaten 2½ lengths, in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes.
The time for the Norfolk Stakes was only marginally faster than the Windsor Castle Stakes, so there may be little to choose between two talented colts, who have both demonstrated professionalism, as well as speed, in their short careers. However, preference on this occasion is for Riflescope as an outsider tip, who just about has the edge on the form book. Mark Johnston has done well with his juveniles this season, winning 35-146 (24%), and can chalk up another success.
Selection: Sandown 2.50 Riflescope to win
