Coral Eclipse 2012

Following So You Think's injury, today's Coral Eclipse at Sandown looks quite open. Nathaniel is the best horse, but this appears to be a pipe opener for targets over further later in the season. Thirsk Hunt Cup winner Farhh, subsequently a tad unlucky at Ascot, is likely to go off favourite but needs to improve. Others worth considering are veteran Twice Over and Italian multiple winner, Crackerjack King (beat track/meeting winner Afsare last time). However, with an eye to the future an each way bet on lightly raced, Cogito (course winner and hampered last time in hot race) might be at least, informative!

good luck...

Showdown @ Sandown

A select field for the Coral Eclipse at Sandown today with two middle distance titans, So You Think and Workforce facing off for the first time this season. It is reasonable to assume that Aidan O'Brien will have the former Aussie superstar in peak condition in a bid to recoup his reputation and losses suffered at Royal Ascot. The trip should suit, but one wonders how he will handle the track's undulations and the stiff uphill finish. Workforce made a winning seasonal return here in fine style, but may not be at his best over ten furlongs. An intriguing match up and very difficult to call, but top jockey, Ryan Moore, could be difference and at the prices, last year's Derby and Arc victor gets a tentative vote. The excellent filly, Snow Fairy adds to the race, but her long absence suggests she will be better next time.

Whilst the Eclipse dominates the day, there are a number of other interesting and competitive contests on the supporting card and at Haydock. Nothing in particular jumps out, but a close eye will be kept on Astrophysical Jet (old friend), Soorah (twice an eyecatcher), Seelo (unexposed?), Sirvino (back to form?) and Secret Witness (value?)

good luck and enjoy....

Hail the Stars

Sea The Stars entered the pantheon of racing greats winning the Coral Eclipse at Sandown. He duly obliged at odds on, displaying a brilliant flash of acceleration to thwart a game Rip van Winkle. The mystery of Ballydoyle's strategy at Espom may have also been explained as they probably identified Sea The Sea's strongest suit, that is the ability to break rapidly from the stalls like a seasoned sprinter and assume a commanding and race controlling position. After 2 furlongs he looked imperious and whether they went off fast or slow, he was always going to empower a canny Mick Kinane to steer him home. Rip van Winkle ran a fine race, never flinching when struck by a flailing whip, confirmed his potential and should make a fine 4yo if kept in training. The strength of the guineas form was further cemented by Lord Shankill's (12 out of 15 at Newmarket) win at Chantilly and we can look forward to a great season over the middle distances. Sea The Stars' objectives appear to be at York and Leopardstown and both are duly noted in the diary. Mastercraftsman may turn out to be his toughest rival but the look of pride on John Oxx's and Mick Kinane's faces in the post race interview suggest they never have had a horse of this calibre in their long and illustrious careers.

well done.....