Hi all,
Sandown’s Coral-Eclipse meeting gets underway this afternoon with three Listed contests the highlights of a decent seven race card.
I have a couple of selections from Sandown and one from this evening’s meeting at Haydock.
Sandown
The Coral Marathon (2:20) sees the return of the Sir Mark Prescott trained Alerta Roja. The filly improved markedly when a 2 ½ lengths 2nd of 6 to Stradivarius in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup last September. Granted see was probably flattered by her proximity to the winner but she’s open to further improvement as a 4-year-old and with a weak pace forecast she could get the race run to suit. The form of the Sir Mark Prescott yard remains a slight concern but at 7/2 or better his runner is the pick
The Listed Gala Stakes (4:05) see’s former Group 1 winner Addeybb installed as the short price favourite. He’ll be sharper for his 6-length 3rd of 5 to Bay Bridge in Brigadier Gerard Stakes over C&D. He shouldn’t face much pace pressure although Passion And Glory could go forward. Provided there’s some ease in the ground he can make his class advantage count. His main rivals seem to be Harrovian and Regal Reality. The pair were 3rd and 4th respectively in the Listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. The latter was doing his best work at the finish but wouldn’t want the race to get tactical. Harrovian is likely to be better placed. However, he won’t want the ground to ease much further as he needs quick ground to show his best. If he gets his underfoot conditions he looks overpriced at around 9/1.
Haydock
7:08 – I’m taking a chance here that Bond Power is effective on soft ground. He seemed to handle it when a 2 ½ length 2nd of 10 to El Caballo at Carlisle on his juvenile racecourse debut last May. A winner at Beverley (good to firm) on his nursery debut last season. Put in a better effort than his seasonal return when a 3 ½ length 3rd of 6 at Ripon last time. The first time cheekpieces are an interesting addition. If the ground is suitable, I can seem him going close in a slightly lesser race than last time.
Betting Advice:
Sandown
2:20 – 1pt win – Alerta Roja – 7/2 – Gen
4:05 – 1pt win – Harrovian – 9/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook
Haydock
7:08 – 1pt win – Bond Power – 10/1 @ Bet365
Cheers
John