Hi all,
After yesterday's foray into political betting, I’m back on more familiar ground. Sandown's two-day Coral Eclipse meeting kicks off with a valuable card featuring three Listed contests: the Dragon Stakes (2:30), Gala Stakes (4:15), and the Coral Marathon (4:50).
Inside today’s main piece, you’ll find my thoughts on the best of day one of Sandown’s two-day Coral Eclipse meeting. Plus, there's a free Friday tip.
Sandown
Source: Racing Post.
With the exception of the Style Awards On Ladies Day Amateur Jockeys Handicap (1:55) and the Tattersalls £40,000 EBF Novice Stakes (3:40), small fields dominate the day at Sandown.
2:30 – Dragon Stakes (Listed Race) – 5f
The early betting suggests the Dragon Stakes is between Aesterius and The Actor. Aesterius, a debut winner at Bath, finished 1 ½ lengths 5th of 13 to Shareholder in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. That form sets a high standard, making him the one to beat. The Actor, a good winner at Newmarket two starts back, was drawn on the wrong side when finishing 15th in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. The drop back to 5f could suit him, and he could easily bounce back here.
3:40 – Tattersalls £40,000 EBF Novice Stakes (Class 2) – 7f
With 6 of the 11 juveniles making their racecourse debut, it’s probably best not to have a strong opinion. On pedigree, the best newcomer looks to be Pantile Warrior, a son of Frankel trained by John & Thady Gosden. However, a couple with racecourse experience set a decent standard. Anno Domini looked promising when winning at Newbury on debut and can progress further, despite carrying a 5lb penalty. Aegean Sea caught the eye when finishing 3rd over C&D on debut and should have improved from that run. Ryan Moore taking the ride adds to his appeal. Windlord was ¾ length and one place behind Aegean Sea on debut. He's open to further improvement and has good claims.
4:15 – Davies Insurance Solutions Gala Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 2f
Lion’s Pride, a two-time winner at Kempton last season, including a Listed race over 1m 4f, looked in need of a return to further when finishing 3rd over today’s distance on reappearance. Checkandchallenge and Savvy Victory, who weren't disgraced at Royal Ascot last time, may prefer easier ground. Savvy Victory is a C&D winner but isn’t the most consistent. The most interesting horse in the line-up is Prague. Unraced when trained by Aidan O’Brien, Prague made a winning debut in a C&D maiden last month. Despite a rise in class, I like his claims. Of course he might find this to big a step up on just his second start but is worth his place in the line-up.
4:50 – Coral Marathon (Listed Race) – 2m
On official ratings, this looks between Trueshan and Quickthorn. Trueshan, a three-time Group 1 winner, isn't the same horse as a couple of seasons back but should be capable of going close provided the ground isn’t too quick. Quickthorn, a former C&D winner, made all to win the Group 1 Goodwood Cup last summer. He needs to bounce back from a lacklustre seasonal return in the Sagaro Stakes, but if he does, he’ll be hard to pass if leading from the front. Night Sparkle, a progressive staying handicapper last year, was a close-up second in a Group 3 (1m 6f) at York on her reappearance. Disappointing over 1m 4f last time but two miles will suit her better and she’s in the mix for a yard that’s won the race twice since 2014.
Friday Selection
It's a decent Sandown Friday card but there arn't too many solid value betting opportuniies in the handicaps. Aegean Sea interests me as does Night Sparkle but in the end I opted for Prague as Friday's selection with 9/1 fair odds.
Sandown
4:15 – Prague – 9/1.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John