British Spot Plays: Sandown selections April 25

Only five three-year-olds were declared for the Classic Trial (G3), arguably making it the least appealing betting race of the three group offerings at Sandown on Friday. However, the two fixtures for older horses that precede it appear wide open.

After backing Almeric to win the Feilden S. and having Celestial Orbit fall a little short in the Nell Gwyn (G3) last week, the English betting bankroll stands at $484.80 from an original starting point of $500. I will make win plays equal to 5% of the outstanding balance throughout the English flat season, with Friday's first play a $24 one.

Race 3: Gordon Richards (G3), 9:25 a.m. ET

Punters appear cool towards #5 Arabian Crown (10-1) in the early market trading for this 1 1/4-mile test, and they might be right. However, this Godolphin colt clearly loves this course, with two wins and a second in three attempts over it. Moreover, he won last year's course-and-distance Classic Trial rather comfortably in the end.

The collateral form of the Classic Trial didn't quite hold up as the season progressed, though, and Arabian Crown met with a setback ahead of the Epsom Derby (G1) and did not start the rest of the year. Although his comeback in the March 1 Dubai City of Gold (G2) at Meydan was rather flat, keep in mind he was being asked to negotiate 1 1/2 miles for the first time following a 10-month layoff.

His overall ceiling remains to be determined, but today's surroundings and distance would appear to suit.

Race 4: Sandown Mile (G2), 10 a.m. ET

An intriguing edition of this race, which some might be using as a prep toward the Lockinge (G1) at Newbury next month and/or the Queen Anne (G1) at Royal Ascot in June.

#6 Haatem (5-1) is a veteran of the royal meeting, having eked out a victory in the Jersey (G3) when last seen in June. That followed a string of solid efforts against some of Europe's top three-year-old milers. He fired fresh on season debut in the Craven (G3), finished third in the 2000 Guineas (G1), and then went down by a mere head to the top-class Rosallion in the Irish 2000 Guineas (G1).

Although there are a few other very nice four-year-olds in this lineup, Haatem's form lines appear quite strong, especially if the market price at this writing holds.