Coral-Eclipse Preview

Hi all,

In today’s main piece I’m looking ahead to Saturday’s Coral Eclipse at Sandown.

Group 1 Coral-Eclipse (3.35) is the weekend’s highlight. With Coral this year celebrating 50 years of sponsorship of this prestigious race. 

The big race is supported by the Group 3 Coral Charge (1.50) and the Listed Coral Distaff (3.00).

There’s also a good card at Haydock on Saturday. With the feature races being the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks (2.40) and Old Newton Cup (3.15).

ITV Racing are covering four races from Sandown and three from Haydock on Saturday afternoon.

Sandown: Coral Eclipse Preview

The Coral-Eclipse is traditionally one highlights of the British summer Flat racing season. It marks the first major mid-season clash between the classic generation (3-year-olds) and their older rivals over 1m 2f.

First run in 1886, the Coral-Eclipse is named after the legendary 18th-century racehorse Eclipse, who was unbeaten during his career. The race has a rich heritage and has been won by many of the sport’s greats, including:

Dancing Brave (1986)

Sea The Stars (2009)

Enable (2019)

St Mark’s Basilica (2021)

City Of Troy (2024)

A useful weight-for-age allowance of 10lb is a big advantage for a genuinely top-class 3-year-old.  Add in Sandown’s stiff finish and the usually tactical nature of the race and we could be in for a thriller.

Coral-Eclipse: 10-Year Trends

With just 63 runners across the last ten renewals, this isn’t a race overflowing with data—but there are still some useful trends to note.

All ten winners were returned at 8/1 or shorter. Those priced bigger are 0-32 with just 3 places.

Nine of the last ten winners had an official rating of 118 or higher.

Eight of the ten winners had won on their previous start, including French raider Vadeni (2022). That subgroup is 8-20 (+2.09 profit) with 11 placing. The two exceptions had both finished third in Group 1’s on their previous start:

Roaring Lion (third in the Derby)

Ulysses (third in the Prince of Wales’s)

Three-year-olds have dominated recently, with 7 winners from 23 runners and 10 placing. That includes each of the last four winners.

Coral-Eclipse: Field Takes Shape for Saturday’s Sandown Showdown

Eleven were left in at Monday’s final confirmation stage for this year’s Group 1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Contenders:

Ombudsman (11/8) heads the betting with the sponsers after a dominant win in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. He’s officially rated 128, the highest of the 11 entries and holds clear form claims. The stronger the gallop, the better his chance. He’s the one to beat and a worthy market leader.

Sosie (9/2), a dual Group 1 winner already this season, looks the main danger. He was fourth in last year’s Arc and brings proven Group 1 form. The French raider will provide a stern test for the favourite.

Camille Pissarro (13/2) landed the French Derby last time, improving for the step up to 1m 2f. Trainer Aidan O’Brien has won three of the last four Eclipse renewals, including with St Mark’s Basilica who followed the same route. This colt gets 10lb from Ombudsman and is a major player.

Delacroix (8/1), another Aidan O’Brien runner, flopped as 2/1 favourite in the Derby last time. He’s on a recovery mission, and the Eclipse trip could be ideal. Jockey bookings—especially if Ryan Moore sides with him—will be telling.

Almaqam (9/1) beat Ombudsman over this course and distance in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes. He’s 2-3 at Sandown and clearly loves Sandown. The ground is key though—he wouldn’t want it too quick.

Anmaat (9/1) chased home Ombudsman at Royal Ascot but also needs cut to run. White Birch (14/1) is another ground-dependent runner and will likely stay in Ireland unless conditions ease.

Ruling Court (11/1) won the 2,000 Guineas but was firmly put in his place over a mile by Field Of Gold at Ascot last time. This longer trip should suit, but he has something to prove for me. Of the Classic generation, Camille Pissarro and Delacroix make more appeal.

Coral-Eclipse Verdict

This should tell us plenty about the strength of this year’s middle distance Classic colts. They get a handy weight-for-age allowance, and recent results show it's a big advantage. Even so, Ombudsman was impressive at Royal Ascot and will be tough to beat on quick ground.

Sosie, the French raider, is a genuine danger and brings proven Group 1 winning form. Of the 3-year-olds, I’m with Camille Pissarro and Delacroix—the former edges it for me.

I flagged Camille Pissarro in this column at 10/1 after his French Derby win and was happy to take that price. Provided Ryan Moore picks him over Delacroix, I’ll be sticking with him.

Wednesday Racing

There’s an intriguing Class 3 sprint handicap (5:13) at Thirsk this afternoon.

Kats Bob made all to win at York last time. He’s gone up 3lb for that but is a previous C&D winner and can’t be ruled out.

Roberto Caro finished ¾ length behind Kats Bob at York, doing best of those drawn high. He’s 2lb better off here and looks capable of reversing form with Kats Bob.

Easy Peeler is the one to beat. She built on a promising Haydock return when scoring at York last month and looks an improving 3yo sprinter. A 4lb rise may not stop her from following up.

Pals Battalion was well held at Ripon but drops in class and is better judged on earlier spring efforts over this trip. The return to a flatter track helps.

Tinto, a three-time C&D winner, was a nose runner-up two starts back over an inadequate 5f. If you forgive his latest Haydock run — back here, he has each-way claims if bouncing back.

Final Word

I am down in London for Smart Bash 2025 on Thursday and Friday. It promises to be an insightful couple of days, with betting panels, workshops, and a live recording of the AK Bets podcast on Friday. In the world of betting which can often feel solitary, it’s a real bonus to catch up in person with some of the sharpest minds in the game.

With Smart Bash taking place, tomorrow’s column will likely be my last of the week. There might be a short one on Saturday, but as I’m travelling back Friday evening, it’s unlikely. If not, I’ll return on Monday with a look back at Saturday's Coral-Eclipse. As ever if you want my weekend picks you can get them here.

Good luck with your Wednesday bets.

John