ITV races preview
This year’s Eclipse Stakes may seem to lack a standout performer but it absolutely does its job of bringing good horses together, with three-year-olds taking on their elders and milers facing up to middle-distance types. After this race we should have a good idea of how this Classic generation measures up and I am inclined to think they will be found wanting.
I cannot have Cliffs Of Moher at just 2-1. Yes, the Derby threw up a couple of Royal Ascot winners but there were too many involved at the finish that day. Even on his Chester success he does not look a star. Barney Roy makes more appeal, though the extra quarter-mile is an unknown factor for him.
The solid option, at 8-1, is surely Decorated Knight (3.35), twice a Group One winner this year and bested only by Highland Reel at Ascot. Though he is closely matched with Ulysses, it seems odd that he is a bigger price after pipping him last time. Since joining Roger Charlton, Decorated Knight has steadily improved and there may be more to come.
1.50 Sandown Muthmir draws the eye, being back to form this year and having run so well behind Lady Aurelia at Ascot. But he must give weight away all round, so Alpha Delphini could turn the Ascot tables, having finished close behind after suffering a mid-race bump.
2.05 Haydock More than half the field won last time out, so this is highly competitive but Dominating looks one to stick with. Unbeaten in two since stepping up to this trip, he has been given a fair chance to win again by the handicapper.
2.25 Sandown With a 50% career strike-rate and being three from five on turf, Greenside is one to have on your side. Henry Candy’s lightly raced six-year-old put up a career best to win quite comfortably in the end over this course and distance last time and has a handy draw in this big field.
2.40 Haydock There is no arguing with Abingdon’s 10-length success on her reappearance, especially as her pedigree suggests she should be getting better with age and experience. Rich Legacy has more to give and could be the each-way option.
3.00 Sandown Candy could be on the mark again with Queen of Time, who was fourth in Ascot’s Sandringham, doing best of those who raced up the unfavoured centre. She gets to run off the same mark here.
3.15 Haydock A course and distance winner two years ago, Fabricate has not had the big days that might have been expected then. Still, he has several bits of form that entitle him to run well, even off his current high rating, and the Michael Bell stable has really hit form since he was last seen. He is likely to race prominently and could stick on into a place at least if the pace is not too strong, so 20-1 looks big.
Tips for all Saturday races
Sandown 1.20 Mazyoun 1.50 Alpha Delphini 2.25 Greenside 3.00 Queen Of Time 3.35 Decorated Knight 4.10 Montaly 4.40 Frontispiece
Leicester 1.25 Yorkshire Pudding 1.55 Christmas Night 2.30 Light Of Joy (nap) 3.05 Final Frontier 3.40 Prosecution 4.15 Accento 4.45 Flood Defence 5.15 Roger Thorpe
Beverley 1.40 Iconic Sunset 2.15 Seyaady 2.50 Rossall 3.25 Tarboosh 4.00 Talent Scout 4.35 Clear As A Bell 5.10 Jive Talking 5.45 Equiano Springs
Haydock 2.05 Dominating 2.40 Abingdon 3.15 Fabricate 3.50 Kachy 4.25 The Armed Man 5.00 Roman Holiday 5.30 Baashiq
Nottingham 5.40 Graceful Act 6.10 Mrs Gallagher 6.40 Related 7.10 Iniesta 7.40 Cape Icon 8.15 Suspect Package 8.45 Zehrah
Carlisle 6.00 Mr Orange 6.30 Panophobia 7.00 Bronze Beau (nb) 7.30 Polar Forest 8.00 Framley Garth 8.30 Alfie’s Angel 9.00 Cold Shoulder
