Brigadier Gerard Evening: Three bets at Sandown on Thursday

Racing TV viewers are in for a treat on Thursday with the Coral Brigadier Gerard Evening, which features two Group Three contests, taking centre stage on the channel.

The main event, the Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes (7.25pm) which will be run in memory of the great, late Joe Mercer who enjoyed an incredible partnership with Brigadier Gerard during his career, has attracted five runners but is not short on quality, with Royal Ascot winner Sangarius heading the betting at a general 5-4.

That contest, along with the other Group Three on the card – the Coral Henry II Stakes – looks a tricky puzzle to solve, and it’s likely it could develop into a tactical affair.

If I was pushed to have a bet, I would probably side with Extra Elusive who could get an easy lead and be able to dictate the pace, but I have decided to concentrate on the support races on the six-race card, and the three below should all go close.

Best of luck, and don’t forget to join Lydia Hislop and James Millman who will be your guides at the Esher venue for the evening on Thursday, live on Racing TV, and Racing TV Extra.

Race: 5.45pm – Play Coral ‘racing-super-series’ For Free Handicap

General odds: 5-2.

There is likely to be plenty of give underfoot at Sandown on Thursday, with the going described as soft, heavy in places at the time of writing, but that will not pose a problem to Bad Company who relished testing conditions on each occasion when completing a four-timer last year.

The four-year-old appears to be progressing with age, just like a lot of his family did, and he returned with arguably a career-best effort when runner-up behind a race-fit rival in a 0-85 handicap at Windsor this month.

He attempted to make all in that contest, the same tactics that were used when he scored at Nottingham last season, and I expect him to lead again here, as he’s the only likely front runner in the field, plus has a good draw in stall four.

This 0-75 contest represents a slight drop in grade, and he is entitled to strip fitter now following his seasonal debut. Charlie Bennett guided Bad Company to victory twice last season and is on board again here, and his mount is four from five over this trip.

Race: 8.00pm – Coral Whitsun Cup Handicap

General odds: 5-1.

This looks a good opportunity for History Writer to get back to winning ways after being handed plenty of tough assignments in the past 18 months.

David Menuisier’s charge progressed in handicap company in 2019, and his victories that year included a success over course and distance in a 0-100 handicap off a rating of 91.

It is best to forgive his three starts in 2020 which all came in Group company, and he was outclassed on each occasion. Following his efforts in stronger handicaps than this on his first three starts this year, including in the Lincoln where he was denied a clear run, he now finds himself on a rating of 93 and appeared to be returning to form when finishing eighth in the Victoria Cup last time out.

The step back up to a mile here promises to suit, and he has produced his best efforts with cut in the ground, so should relish conditions on Thursday. He's also won twice, plus been placed twice, over course and distance.

With William Buick riding, it will be disappointing if History Writer is not capable of going close from stall one with everything in his favour.

Race: 8.30pm – Coral ‘supporting Prostate Cancer’ Handicap

General odds: 12-1.

This youngster has been in my tracker since he finished second on debut in what looked a strong maiden at Newbury given the winner, Baradar, finished third in the Vertem Futurity on his final start last year, plus the third and fourth won on their next outings.

The Lope De Vega colt was unlucky not to get off the mark on his next start when a fast-finishing second, and it is best to forgive his latest run as he failed to settle due to the slow pace plus also lost his left-fore shoe.

He still travelled well into that contest though, and only faded inside the final two furlongs, so stepping back down to a mile should suit here and a rating of 82 for his handicap debut looks fair judged by his performances so far.

His debut effort was on soft ground and he’s over-priced at 12-1 with champion jockey Oisin Murphy on board.