Greek to score Sandown double

Greek Well is finally beginning to deliver on his initial promise and looks a five-star bet in the Bristol & West Property Finance Handicap at Sandown.

Michael Stoute’s colt had such a lofty home reputation that he once headed the ante-post lists for the Derby.

However, he proved well below that standard when finally making it to the racecourse towards the end of last year.

It has taken him three runs this season to get off the mark at last, but the manner of his recent triumph here suggests this Sadler’s Wells colt does indeed have plenty to offer.

He carries a 6lb penalty but ought to double up if he can replicate the form of his course-and-distance success.

Peruvian Prince is another horse who burned a few fingers in the early stages of his career as he was placed a number of times without getting his head in front.

Things changed for the better towards the end of 2006 with an all-weather campaign that ended with a hat-trick of wins.

Richard Fahey’s charge bounced back to his best with an outstanding effort at Haydock earlier this month, where he quickened away in the final furlong to win by more than three lengths.

That earns him a 6lb penalty for the Manchester235casino Stakes, but the extra weight should not prevent him scoring again.

Colorus won over five furlongs at Southwell on his racecourse debut but went another 13 runs without threatening again.

But after a disappointing effort at Ripon in April, he returned to the same track to score a little more cosily than the neck distance would suggest on his second start of the current campaign.

Up 4lb, he was again disappointing next time but bounced back in no uncertain terms when winning at Thirsk in May.

Following the bizarre pattern, he turned in another disappointing performance at Musselburgh last time but a prominent showing in the hss.com Stakes would hardly surprise if Colorus consents to put his best foot forward again.

After winning twice at the start of last season, Olimpo lost his way somewhat but ran much better at Windsor recently to suggest he is well on the way back.

He is likely to prove tough to win with again this year, but Rod Millman’s gelding tackles the Young Bros Civil Engineering Handicap at Chepstow off a handicap mark 4lb lower than his last winning perch.

As a result, it could pay to give him one more chance in a weak-looking race.