It is Coral Eclipse day at Sandown on Saturday. I previewed the race earlier in the week and sided with The Fugue in view of doubts surrounding the participation of many of her rivals. It is pouring down with rain up here in Scotland but apparently they are still basking in warm sunshine down south and the going remains good to firm.
Roger Varian is evidently keen to run Derby runner-up Kingston Hill after pulling him out of the farcical Irish Derby at the last moment. You can understand the need to be careful with these top-notch horses but it will be very puzzling if he lets him run on quick ground this weekend. Sceptics are focussing on the fact that The Fugue finished last in the Eclipse a year ago but she arrives in the form of her life this season and it doesn’t worry me.
The best bet on the card may be Queen Catrine in the Coral Distaff at 3.15. I had not realised what a fine race she ran in the Sandringham Handicap until I watched a re-run. Jamie Spencer had her plum last of 24 runners and she managed to overhaul everything bar the winner Muteela. I have been following Radiator with interest and she ran a fair race when eighth in the Coronation but she strikes me as a bit keen in her races and this small field may cause James Doyle problems.
I have never done particularly well in the Coral Challenge Handicap but I’m tempted to have a small each-way investment on Burano here for Brian Meehan. He was running well in Dubai through the winter and early spring and has had no luck at all since returning to these shores. The most significant snippet is that he is almost a stone better off with Gabrial’s Kaka for under five lengths on their Newbury Spring Cup form.
The Coral Charge could go the way of Stepper Point who just gets the vote ahead of Extortionist. This track suits front runners in sprints and Stepper Point had everything in trouble at Royal Ascot after three furlongs. I am concerned that he has had a series of hard races but these sprinters are as tough as old boots.
Finally, I’m taking a chance on course winner Reedcutter bouncing back to form in the opener. He pulled too hard and then ran into a pocket last time so did well to get within six lengths. This shorter trip should be in his favour and Richard Hughes is doing the steering.
Reedcutter 1.30 Sandown
Stepper Point 2.05 Sandown at 11-2 BetVictor
Burano 2.40 Sandown at 14-1 BetVictor
Queen Catrine 3.15 Sandown at 2-1 Skybet
The Fugue 3.50 Sandown at 9-4 William Hill
