Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Sandown and Haydock on Saturday. View selections below.
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ENABLE (3.35) makes her long-awaited return in the Coral-Eclipse and despite trainer John Gosden’s misgivings over very quick ground at Sandown, his mare can continue her dominance over main rival Magical.
Aidan O’Brien’s filly finished in the ruck behind Enable in the Arc but really served it up to her in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs. Enable had less than a length to spare but was conceding 4lb. They clash on level terms today. Of course, Enable has race-fitness on her side and that could prove a vital factor. She couldn’t peg back Crystal Ocean, given a masterly Frankie Dettori ride, in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot on soft ground but lost little in defeat.
Sir Michael Stoute is doubly represented by Regal Reality and Mustashry. The former looks the stronger contender as his wide-margin course and distance victory over Matterhorn in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes has been boosted by Matterhorn’s subsequent easy success in a Listed contest at Windsor. If all eight runners go to post, progressive Regal Reality will command each-way support against the big two.
There are some popular flying-machines going to post for the Coral Charge and MUTHMIR (1.50) came within a neck of scooping this nice pot 12 months ago. Fast ground is ideal and although liable to be outpaced early, Sandown’s stiff finish is just what he needs. Muthmir is 4lb lower now and rates an each-way punt.
There is some terrific action at Haydock, with the bet365 Old Newton Cup always a midsummer treat. Favourite FIRST ELEVEN (3.15) has a wide draw to overcome but stamped himself an improving middle-distance handicapper when beating Fujaira Prince at York. The runner-up has since run a cracker at Royal Ascot when third to Baghdad and Ben Vrackie in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes.
ENBIHAAR (2.40) should give a bold show in a very tight renewal of the Lancashire Oaks. The Gosden-trained filly seemed to be just outstayed by Dramatic Queen over 1m 6f at York but this return to 12 furlongs can spark a reversal of fortunes. Besides saddling Dramatic Queen, William Haggas pitches Klassique into the fray with an excellent chance, although she finished behind Enbihaar at Goodwood in May.
The 1m 6f bet365 Handicap is another open affair, with Mark Johnston responsible for four of the seven runners. SIR RON PRIESTLEY (2.05) may be the pick of his quartet. He is a course winner over 12 furlongs, beating a smart sort in Lariat, and can put behind him a rare lacklustre display at Royal Ascot when down the field in the King George V Stakes won by South Pacific. Johnston took this race last year with Making Miracles.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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