Coral Contenders Ready for Sandown Spotlight

Hi all,

As I am not going to be around for the next couple of days. I’ve taken a very early look at Saturday’s ITV races at Sandown and Haydock.

In today’s main piece I have taken a delve into three of the four Sandown races.  I won’t be covering  the Coral-Eclipse which I looked in yesterday’s column.

Saturday Preview

The Sandown going was being described as good on Wednesday lunchtime, but 2mm of rain was forecast. It’s then set to be dry for the next couple of day with perhaps some light rain on Saturday.

Saturday’s ground at Sandown depends on how much artificial watering Clerk of the Course Andrew Cooper undertakes between now and Saturday. We know he’s not afraid to turn the taps on and with a few contenders in Saturday’s Coral Eclipse needing some ease to participate he’ll likely endeavour to produce good rather than good to firm ground. Depending how much water is put on will have a big impact on Saturday’s big race and indeed the rest of the card.

Up at Haydock, the ground was described as Good, good to firm in places on Wednesday — with a similar forecast to Sandown. A couple of dry and sunny days are expected, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some watering.

Here's a look at the forecast for Haydock on the BHA website.

That’s especially likely given the presence of Estrange, the hot favourite for the Group 2 bet365 Lancashire Oaks (2:40). She wouldn’t want conditions much quicker than good.

Only seven fillies and mares have been declared for the Haydock feature. If Estrange were to come out, an already weak-looking renewal would look even thinner. Let’s put it this way it’s not a race I will be having a bet in.

The Haydock card also feature one of my favourite middle distance handicaps the bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap (3:15). This historic handicap attracted 23 entries and there will hopefully be a decent line-up on the day.

Sandown

1:50 – Coral Charge (Group 3) – 5f

First Instinct won a Listed race at Cork in May and has held her form well since, finishing third in a Haydock Group 2 and then runner-up in a Listed race at Ayr two weeks ago. She was doing her best work late last time, and the stiff 5f at Sandown should play to her strengths. Solid chance.

Queen All Star is less exposed than most of her rivals and made it 3-4 when winning a on handicap debut over C&D in April. She lacks Group/Listed form but is clearly progressive. William Buick takes the ride, and the yard is going well.

Kerdos ran a huge race when fifth in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, faring best of the low-drawn runners. He misbehaved beforehand but still ran with credit in what was a Group 1 contest. This is a drop-in class and he’s a major player if all goes smoothly pre-race.

2:25 – Coral Challenge Handicap (Class 2 – 1m

Greek Order and Urban Lion both shaped well when fourth and fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup. Ryan Moore has been booked for Greek Order, but Urban Lion won over C&D two starts back and may offer better value at the current odds (8/1 vs 9/2).

Ancient Rome didn’t get the clearest run when 10^th in the Royal Hunt Cup, but that effort hinted he’s returning to form. He has ground to make up on the above pair but shouldn’t be dismissed as he looks to be working his way back to winning form. He’s a best priced 16/1 with bet365 which appeals as I have him value at 12/1+.

Classic Encounter was strong at the finish when winning at York over 1m 1f last time. He didn’t get the clearest passage there either, and a 4lb rise could underestimate him. Needs a handful to come out to get a run, but he's one to watch if he does.

3:00 – Coral Distaff (Listed, 1m)

This Listed race for 3yo fillies has been dominated in recent years by the Haggas, Gosden, and Balding yards — seven of the last nine winners between them.

The Gosdens run Cajole, a big eye-catcher when runner-up in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot. Up into Listed company but she can take another step forward. Ryan Moore is booked.

Supermodel missed Royal Ascot due to an infection but remains an exciting prospect. Trained by William Haggas, she’s still improving and will appreciate a stamina test remaining at a mile.

Blue Bolt, from the Andrew Balding yard, looked a filly going places when scoring at Newbury last month. She’s the likely favourite and deserves her place in this line-up. The one to beat.

As I’m away for Smart Bash and likely won’t have a Saturday column, if you want my final selections for the weekend, you can find them here.

Good luck with your Thursday bets,

John