Royal Ascot 2018: Sands Of Mali enhances his Commonwealth Cup claims after thrilling Sandy Lane Stakes win at Haydock

SANDS OF MALI threw his hat into the Royal Ascot ring with a thrilling win in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.

Richard Fahey's sprinter went off a 10-3 shot in a classy renewal of the Group 2 contest.

Sands Of Mali looked to have the race in the bag as they entered the business end of the race but 5-2 favourite Invincible Army was not giving up and flew home on his outside.

The pair flashed past the finish line together and it needed the judge to split them with Sands Of Mali called the winner.

Fahey said: "He's a very fast horse, we'd love to get a lead with him but nothing was quick enough today. Ascot and the Commonwealth Cup was always the plan and that is the obvious race.

"It's a mystery what happened to him in the Middle Park last year, he came back from it fine, then he just failed to stay a mile at the Breeders' Cup.

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"He looked like he was going to win comfortably today, but Paul said he pricked his ears.

"I'd have settled for a dead-heat, I must admit!"

He added: "It took Paul ages to pull him up, I wouldn't mind trying him over further eventually as he doesn't look like a sprinter.

"He's a typical breezer in that last year he had two speeds, he's much more relaxed this year."

Winning jockey Paul Hanagan admitted: "I didn't know which way it had gone on the bob. He's so tough and genuine."

RaceBets gave Fahey's sprinter a 10-1 from 16-1 quote for the Commonwealth Cup on June 22.