There is plenty of hype surrounding Roger Varian’s new German recruit in Narella. She did look hugely impressive when winning a Group 3 in Baden-Baden last season before bombing out in the Prix Marcel Boussac when last seen.
Narella could be much better than this level, but has a few questions to answer off a long break and on the evidence of that underwhelming performance on Arc day. The firm ground at Sandown is also a bit of an unknown and she is opposable on her first start for her new yard.
Di Fede has some good form in the bank particularly her close third place in behind recent Group 1 winner Urban Fox and runner-up in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, Tribute Act (trained by James Fanshawe).
Di Fede is tempting at the prices having run a decent race in the Sandringham last time out and should reverse the form with Desert Diamond.
But James Fanshawe must have a line on her ability, and he is showing a lot of confidence in throwing PREENING into this after she bolted up in a minor handicap over course and distance last month as he would have been entitled to stick to handicap company for one more outing with her mark still on the favourable side at 93.
That was just her fourth start and she looks the type to improve. The nature of that run was highly impressive and I expect her to stay-on past a fair few of these up the hill. William Buick is an eye-catching booking and she will love the going for the Cheveley Park Stud.
1pt win Preening @6/1, 13:30 Sandown, Saturday (various bookmakers)