Coral Eclipse at Sandown 3.35pm. The one to beat here is Nayef who won
recently at Royal Ascot beating one of his biggest rivals today, Islington
by about 2.5Lengths. Grandera was behind in that race but should he choose
to put his best foot forward he could easily win at a decent price.
However, it seems he is no longer genuine and although he still retains the
talent until he shows that he also retains his courage I couldn¹t advise a
bet on him. Of more interest could be Falbrav who again didn¹t run as well
as he should in Nayef¹s Ascot race. The three year old¹s with chances
include the 2000gns third and Derby fourth Norse Dancer who may find this
trip on 1M 2F ideal and last year¹s champion European 2YO Hold That Tiger. I
am inclined to think that the later has the better chance and that he is
beginning to get his act together after a couple of disappointing efforts
earlier. So I think that Nayef should just about win with Hold That Tiger
not far away.
The 2.20 on the same card features old favourite Persian Punch who must have
a great chance. The only two capable of causing him problems would appear to
be Pole Star whom he beat at Ascot but finished behind at Sandown earlier
and the Bin Suroor trained Pugin. However, I am happy to leave this to the
old timer.
If the following two horses run at Haydock then I suggest that they are both
worth backing as they are heavily favoured by the race conditions. Football
Crazy has upwards of 7lbs in hand in his race (2.05) and Time Ahead, second
in the French Oaks has upwards of 9lbs in hand in hers, 2.40pm.
There are also two good handicaps at Haydock. At 3.10 Barolo should provide
a good showing. He has been improving all year and this most competitive
event should see him in a favourable light. At 4.20 Soyuz reappears. After a
very promising first run of the season things haven¹t gone his way the last
twice. However, he is back over 6F and must have a sporting chance in this
event.
Best of Luck.
The Sheik