Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up four tips to consider at Sandown and also one at Haydock. View selections below.
FARHH (3.45) will top many list this weekend as the Godolphin ace carries plenty of confidence into the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. After streaking away with the Thirsk Hunt Cup, Farhh was pitched into the deep end at Royal Ascot, with many professionals voicing the opinion that he was out of his depth in such lofty company. However, he almost made them eat their words with an excellent effort. A shoddy start rendered the colt a poor position turning for home and, to exacerbate matters, Frankie Dettori was stopped in his rails run in the straight. When seeing clear daylight, Farhh fairly knuckled down to the job to finish third, leaving the firm impression that he would have given So You Think a fright with a smoother passage. If there is a deluge over the next 24 hours Cityscape must enter calculations, while any easing of the ground would also favour Nathaniel. Last year’s King George hero represents the all-conquering Gosden/Buick partnership and there was good money for Nathaniel earlier in the week. It promises to a cracker.
The Coral Marathon looks a tricky two-mile Listed test but CAVALRYMAN (4.20) can further enhance a great day for the boys in blue. The six-year-old rediscovered the winning habit when scoring comfortably at York last month and the Godolphin stayer’s touch of class just tips the scales in his favour, despite carrying a 3lb penalty.
There are some progressive three-year-olds going to post in the concluding 1m 2f handicap and, in what is sure to prove a lively betting affair, GOODWOOD ATLANTIS (4.55) can step up on his seasonal debut at Goodwood in late May when finishing third to Beaufort Twelve and Silver Lime.
Earlier on a terrific card, JOHNNO (1.30) could repay each-way support if all 16 runners line up in another tight handicap. John Hills’ colt ran third behind Campanologist at Newmarket last month, building slightly on two solid efforts at Sandown and Kempton in May.
Torrential rain could cause havoc in the north and doubtless the track at Haydock will be riding deep for one of their showpiece Saturday summer fixtures. Donald McCain continues to astound and has produced another dual-purpose horse off his production line in easy Cumberland Plate scorer Lexi’s Boy, who looks sure to be sent off favourite for the historic bet365 Old Newton Cup. That opens the door for a solid each-way wager on course and distance winner NUMBER THEORY (3.25), who is chasing a hat-trick. Jim Goldie’s Hillview Boy will relish conditions and could go well at a loud price under the inspired Graham Lee.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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