A huge weekend of racing on ITV with the Eclipse taking centre stage at Sandown and a solid betting card at Haydock as well.
Of course, this column is on a high after finding five of the seven ITV races last weekend, including the Plate winner Who Dares Wins at 12-1.
But we all know we are only as good as our last victor, so we go to war again hoping for the best.
Let’s get straight to it, and the 13:50 at Sandown is the Group 3 Charge over 5f. Sergei Prokofiev will need gaps to come at the right time, but if at a peak and with a clear run I reckon he is too classy for Aidan O’Brien. Poor at Ascot last time, but his Newmarket fourth was good enough for this for me.
Next at Sandown is the Challenge Handicap over 1m at 14:25. This is a nightmare. I’ll have a few quid each-way on Greenside, who has nothing in hand of the handicapper but is consistent for Henry Candy. Has a good draw to work with.
The 15:00 at Sandown is the Listed Distaff over 1m. Main Edition ran terribly at Ascot last time for Mark Johnston, but he’s better than that and has a chance of hitting the frame under star man Ryan Moore. Another eachway poke.
And finally at Sandown the big one, the Group 1 Eclipse over 1m2f at 15:35. Boring I know, but I am all over Enable here. I just think she is far too good for this lot and I’m not worried about the drop-in trip. I expect her to power home for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori and you could easily argue she is a big price.
Meanwhile, at Haydock there is a 1m6f handicap at 14:05. The one I like here is the fast improving Mind The Crack, who was impressive over just short of this trip at this track last time. The longer distance should suit, and while this is much more competitive, he’s going the right way for Mark Johnston.
Next at Haydock is the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks over 1m4f at 14:40. William Haggas sets us a problem here with both Dramatic Queen in the field and Klassique. I don’t often get the latter right, but I thought she won well at Haydock last time and I will go with her to follow up under in-form Danny Tudhope.
And finally at Haydock, the Old Newton Cup Handicap over 1m4f at 15:15. First Eleven has a huge weight and rating, but he hacked up at York when last seen and is entered in Group 1s for John Gosden. If he is up to that class then he can carry the welter burden here under Robert Havlin.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
Tips summary:
Sandown 13:50: Sergei Prokofiev – 11/4
Sandown 14:25: Greenside – 5/1
Sandown 15:00: Main Edition – 11/2
Sandown 15:35: Enable – 4/5
Haydock 14:05: Mind The Crack – 11/4
Haydock 14:40: Klassique – 3/1
Haydock 15:15: First Eleven – 7/2
* All odds correct at time of posting.