1:50 Sandown
The opener on Eclipse Day is the Coral Charge for the 5f sprinters.
I like RUMSTAR (11/4) in here for the Portman yard. He won this contest last year under similar conditions and had to carry a 3lb penalty on that occasion. He carries no penalty this year and arrives in similar form. A smart comeback effort when a good second in the Palace House Stakes followed by an average effort at Ascot. He was drawn on the wrong side of Ascot, and it’s not his track, so I’m happy to draw a line through it. Back at Sandown, where he loves to run with a decent pace to aim at, he can come wide and late and get up close to home.
2:05 Newmarket
The first of three live races from Newmarket is a 3-year-old handicap over the 1m6f trip.
I like MYTHICAL BAY (4/1) here for the Andrew Balding yard. An impressive winner last time out at Newbury pulling clear to win comfortably, I think he’ll relish this step up in trip. The favourite, Arc Ole Ole, has the best form, but he’s had a couple of hard races of late and at the prices, I’d prefer the Balding horse.
2:25 Sandown
Next up is the Coral Challenge over the Sandown mile.
It is INDALO (4/1) for me, who was last seen running a cracker in the Hunt Cup to finish third despite not being drawn in the ideal spot. He’s still unexposed, and he now returns to Sandown, where he won his only previous start. I’m expecting him to go close again in what is a weaker contest than the handicap he contested at Royal Ascot.
2:40 Newmarket
The 2:40 from Newmarket is the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks. A 1m4f contest for the fillies and mares.
I’ll chance TATTYCORAM (8/1) here, who was a gutsy winner on seasonal reappearance at Goodwood in a race that has worked out well since. That shows she’s trained on from her progressive three-year-old campaign last season, and I think she can continue on the upward curve. The odds-on favourite Tiffany, brings the best form but does have a habit of finding one too good, so I’d be happy to take her on at the prices.
3:00 Sandown
The Coral Distaff comes up at 3:00, a listed event for 3-year-olds run over the mile.
I’d be happy to chance SECRET OF LIFE (7/1) in this who comes into this contest unbeaten, having won both her career starts to date. The Beckett filly won her only start at 2 before making her seasonal reappearance at Haydock this season, where she travelled like a dream and won easily. She has a lot of potential, and the yard does well with its fillies and mares. The step up to a mile won’t be a problem, and she’ll arguably improve for it.
3:15 Newmarket
The final race from Newmarket on ITV is the competitive Old Newton Cup, a handicap over 1m4f.
I find it hard to get away from KLASSLEADER (6/4) NAP who I’d expect to be out of handicaps soon enough and into Group company. It was hard not to be impressed by his victory at York last time out where he came from off the pace to win decisively at the winning post. He’s up 7lb but that shouldn’t be a problem in my opinion.
3:35 Sandown
We finish with the feature, the Group 1 Coral Eclipse over the 1m2f distance.
It’s hard to get away from CONSTITUTION RIVER (10/11) here, who is improving rapidly and looks set to be a top Group 1 performer for Coolmore. Last seen defying a high draw to win the Group 1 French Derby, he looks to have a lot of quality. The 2026 Eclipse renewal is a pretty weak contest given its status, truth be told, and it would be disappointing if Constitution River can’t beat Gethin getting 10lb from him.
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Henry covers both flat and National Hunt racing at thatsagoal.com. Producing a daily NAP, each-way bet and lucky 15 tip throughout the year.