Glorious Goodwood - Friday 1st August

Cautious punting is advised for day 4 of the Glorious meeting given how strange the track will be riding after the deluge. 

13:20, Coral Goodwood Handicap

Sheradaan 15/2, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Not the strongest renewal of the longest race at the meeting but Ian Williams' horses continue to run well and his runner here, Sheradaan must have a chance. He finished 3rd behind Aggagio earlier in the year over 2 miles but has shaped as though this step up in trip is worth a try. He's got plenty of soft ground form to his name and comes into this in good nick after finishing 3rd in the Northumberland Vase. 

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13:55, Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes

No Bet

This race has cut up terribly and offers no interest for punting. 

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14:30, Coral Golden Mile

EBT's Guard 11/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Dutch Decoy 14/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

A fair renewal of the Golden Mile and I often find it pays to look for course form. EBT's Guard finished 2nd at this meeting last year and has kept his form well this season after winning the Spring Cup at Newbury in April. He's 5 pounds higher today but was only beaten a length off this mark by My Cloud in May. He's won on soft ground and is highly versatile and only a 4 year old he could still find improvement. Dutch Decoy has finished 3rd and 2nd in the last 2 editions off this and is racing off a much lower mark despite coming into this off the back of 2 wins. His claims are there for all to see. 

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15:05, King George Qatar Stakes

Kerdos 10/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Asfoora must have strong claims after a fair run at Royal Ascot which should put her spot on for this. The ground is a question mark though and she was beaten in this last year, albeit in a better renewal. Kerdos may represent each-way value at double digit odds. Clive Cox's horses are running well and his 5 year old gelding has run well at this course before. He's seemingly well drawn in stall 5 and goes with give in the ground. Should be primed for a big run.

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15:45, Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes

Cash 16/1, 0.5pts each-way (3 places)

An open looking Conditions Race. Liberty Lane is the highest rated but must shoulder the penalty. He'll appreciate the going but doesn't make much appeal at short odds. Haunted Dream is on a comeback mission and Godwinson has it to prove in this grade and over this trip. It may be worth taking a punt on a return to form for 6 year old Cash. David Simcock's son of Shamardal has had an injury prone career but has run well for the most part including last August when he narrowly failed in Listed level at Sandown over a mile. 10 furlongs on rain softened ground has looked to be his ideal conditions but has never really had it. He'll have no excuses today and is 5 pounds better off with Liberty Lane than when beaten just over 3 lengths in their meeting earlier this year. 

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16:20, Hawes & Curtis Nursery

Jan Steen 11/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Just an OK looking nursery. I fancied Jan Steen to run a big race in the Windsor Castle in June for Karl Burke but it didn't materialise. He had previously looked a colt to follow in his first 2 runs. He's been given a break now and should run well if coping with conditions and bouncing back from that poor run at Royal Ascot. 

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16:55, Coral Pipped At The Post Winners Handicap

Ammes 10/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

The 11 furlong handicap that ends the day has an open look to it and Ammes just about edges preference. James Owen's No Nay Never colt finished 3rd in one of the best maidens run this year at Chester over 12 furlongs before doing the business himself over that course and distance. He was fancied to run well at Royal Ascot but was made too much use of on the front end before finishing a game 6th. He then ran well in a strong renewal of a class 2 handicap at Haydock over a trip that was probably too far. That form has worked out well and this drop back in trip looks a good move. He's been running in good races and still could be fairly treated if things fall right for him here. 

Glorious Goodwood - Thursday 31st July

Day 3 is upon us. I doubt it will throw up as big a surprise as Tuesday!

13:20, Coral Kincsem Handicap

Parole D'oro 9/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Daquiri Bay 25/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

A very open and hotly contested 10 furlong handicap for 3 year olds opens the card on day 3. Parole D'oro was on my list for the Britannia at Royal Ascot and ran well to finish 8th despite being caught out of his ground there. He stepped up on that effort to finish 2nd at the July festival last time out. He's still improving and this step up to 10 furlongs looks the ideal move. He's drawn against the fence in stall 1 and has Ryan Moore on top. He must have a big effort in him. At bigger odds, Alan King's New Bay colt Daquiri Bay makes some appeal. He's drawn poorly in stall 17 but put up a big effort to finish 8th in a red hot running of the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot over 12 furlongs, shaping as though this drop in distance could bring about more improvement. The form of his Chester win in the spring has been given plenty of boosts and he could run well at lively odds. 

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13:55, Markel Richmond Stakes

Havana Hurricane 9/2, 1pt win

Eve Johnson Houghton is having a terrific week so far and it may be worth siding with her Windsor Castle winner in this, Havana Hurricane. The Havana Gold colt finished 2nd to the reopposing Maximised at Epsom in the Woodcote but was done no favours by the track that day and looks to have progressed plenty since. He only narrowly failed to claim the Super Sprint on his last start and shaped there as though he'll take this step back up in trip in his stride. This doesn't look the strongest renewal. 

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14:30, HKJC World Pool Gordon Stakes

Sir Dinadan 6/1, 1pt win

Merchant won a very good handicap at the Royal meeting last month and must have claims of taking this step up into group company in his stride. He's well found in the market however and he may be worth taking on with Ralph Beckett's Sir Dinadan. The Camelot colt looked a horse to follow at the back end of last year and has progressed with every start so far in 2025. He ran well to finish second to Amiloc in the Cocked Hat here in May before putting in a huge effort to be beaten just over 3 lengths in the Irish Derby last time out. If he can continue his improvement, this big framed sort could take some beating.

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15:05, Qatar Nassau Stakes

Whirl 11/10, 4pts win

This 5 runner renewal may not be the strongest Nassau Stakes ever run but it has drawn 2 Group 1 winners and 3 Group 2 scorers. Running Lion will probably set the pace here and could have the run of things but hasn't been at her best this season and even on her top form would struggle to land this. Sea The Fire brings in top class form but is beginning to look exposed at this level and will struggle to lend plenty of weight to the classy 3 year olds. Bedtime Story ran a cracker in the French Oaks last time out and is progressing with every run this season. She is hinting that she may just be below Group 1 standard however after a few cracks at this level. Cercene raised a few eyebrows when claiming the Coronation Stakes last month but she showed a game attitude that day and this step up in trip should hold no fears. She has it all to do to fend off the Ballydoyle first string though. Whirl, the daughter of Wootton Bassett oozed class when romping home in the Musidora over this trip in May and built on that promise to only narrowly miss out on claiming the Oaks. She had her day in the sun at the Curragh last time out when fending off the top class Kalpana to win the Pretty Polly Stakes and a repeat of that performance should be enough to take this. I make her a solid favourite. 

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15:45, Buccellati Handicap

Ruby's Profit 11/2, 2pts win

Brossay 11/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Ruby's Profit is not the most straightforward filly but she is very fast. She got upset before the 3 year old dash at Epsom in June but ran well to finish 3rd that day. She ran just OK at Ascot last time out but that course doesn't suit her whereas she has already won at Goodwood. This race looks ideal for her. At bigger odds, Brossay makes appeal. He hasn't had a lot go his way this season but this course should suit better than Ascot and Southwell. He had previously finished 2nd at Sandown in the Spring, ahead of Redorange who is now rated 100. A mark of 87 still looks fair for this son of Tasleet and it's worth noting that he has already won at the track. 

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16:20, Phase Eight Nursery

Victorious One 9/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

I was at Goodwood in June to see Victorious One finish 2nd in a 6 furlong maiden. He looked like a horse full of promise that day and the winner has franked the form since. He's shaped with promise on his 2 runs since and the form looks fair in this context. A mark of 85 is manageable and the stable is having a fine week. 

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16:55, Tatler British EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes

No Bet

A wide open maiden. A watching brief is advised. 

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17:30, World Pool Bet With The Tote Handicap

Wicked 6/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Wathnan haven't had much luck this week but the Gosden's Kingman colt looked a nice prospect early in his career before putting it all together to win well in handicap company at Sandown last time out. He's been raised to a mark of 85 for his troubles but it still looks manageable for such an improver. 

Glorious Goodwood - Wednesday 30th July

After a frustrating day at Ascot on Saturday (two seconds and two real disappointments) Sussex Stakes day is here at Glorious Goodwood, the highlight of the week for most. I'm not the biggest fan of the way the races have been programmed throughout the week but you can't quibble with the quality on show here. 

13:20, Coral Pipped At The Post Winners Handicap

Kurakka 8/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

James Doyle rode a Wathnan horse to win this last year in the shape of French Duke and history could repeat itself as Ralph Beckett's Sing Us A Song is strong at the head of the market. The Camelot colt looked a horse to follow when winning well at Sandown in the spring and can be forgiven a poor effort at Royal Ascot as he missed the break terribly. This is easier and he still looks well weighted but he's not been missed and it must be in the back of the mind what happened the last day. Instead slight preference at the odds is for Alan King's Kurakka. This son of Megalia d'Oro won on his only start over 12 furlongs in a race at Haydock that has produced plenty of winners. He stayed on well that day but didn't look short on pace which may be why connections dropped back in trip for a Heritage Handicap at Newmarket's July meeting. He ran well that day to finish 3rd, keeping on well to the task despite not looking to enjoy the track. That looks decent form in the context of this race as the Godolphin horse that won could well be group class. This step back up in trip looks the right move and he's still unexposed. 

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13:55, HKJC World Pool Oak Tree Stakes

Bright Thunder 8/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

One of the hottest renewals of the Oak Tree Stakes in years and it may mean that last year's "winner" Jabaara will find it tougher 12 months on. Tabiti leads the market after a game effort to finish 3rd in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot over a trip that may have stretched her. She looked classy last year in winning the Dick Poole Stakes at Salisbury but her price is more about potential than actual form. She could take this on her way to better things whilst Cloud Cover would be interesting if transferring her all weather form to turf. Albeit Goodwood isn't the easiest course to transfer form to. Fair Angelica could run well at a price considering she's gone well at the course before and seems to be in good form for all that she's been done no favours by the draw in stall 14. Formal won well at Epsom and will find this easier than the race she contested against colts last time out at York. Saqqara Sands could close the gap on her from Epsom and is progressive. She won well at Carlisle last time out and is another to consider at the prices. Karl Burke's Night Of Thunder filly Bright Thunder could be the answer to this open affair however. The 4 year old filly has been given a tricky draw in stall 12 but Magical Sunset won this from stall 14 in 2023 and Sam James' mount seems uncomplicated. A listed winner at two, Bright Thunder built on her ambitious seasonal debut at the Curragh to nearly win the Conqueror Stakes at this course next time out. She was gunned down by Crimson Advocate that day who has done plenty to boost the form since. That was a mile but she shaped as though had the race been over this 7 furlongs that she would have come out on top. She ran well at Group level at Epsom since in a race that wouldn't have suited her and has since bolted up back at Listed level in France. She's a straightforward filly who shapes as though she has the pace for this drop back in trip and is proven winner at the grade. 

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14:30, HKJC World Pool Molecomb Stakes

Lady Imam 6/4, 2pts win

Perhaps not the strongest renewal of the Molecomb. Dickensian stepped up on form shown to date to finish 2nd in the Windsor Castle and is respected on the back of that whereas Military Code bounced back from Coventry disappointment to finish 2nd in the Dragon Stakes at Sandown. Ameeq finished 4th in the Norfolk in a strong renewal and should go well and Sands Of Spain comes into this off a cracking effort to finish 3rd in the Super Sprint having led close home and giving weight to the front 2. All of these will have their work cut out to down the likely favourite, Lady Imam. The daughter of July Cup winner Starman has a penalty to shrug off but she is easily the highest rated in this field and the drop back to the minimum trip looks the right move after being outbattled by the highly rated one from Ballydoyle in a Group 2 over 6 furlongs last time out. She'd previously looked speedy and high class in her 3 victories to date. Ryan Moore takes over and this trip should play to her strengths. Difficult to oppose. 

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15:05, Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes

Rosallion 11/10 (without Field Of Gold), 2pts win

The big race of the week is upon us, the Sussex Stakes. I haven't seen many renewals in the flesh but was lucky to be on the downs in 2011 to see Frankel win for the second time in an awesome display of class and power. That is a memory that will stay with me forever. In the same colours as the mighty colt is Field Of Gold who is also coming into this race as the short priced favourite. The grey son of Kingman, an unlucky loser the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, put in the performance of the week at Royal Ascot when bolting up in the St James' Palace by 3 1/2 lengths. The imperious colt cannot be opposed here on his mission to bag a third straight Group 1 and his first in open company. Henri Matisse, a classic winner in his own right, has claims of cutting the deficit from Ascot here. This track should play more to his strengths but he still will need plenty to go right for him. The class older horse in the race however, is Rosallion. Last year's St James' Palace Stakes winner was denied a chance to run in the Sussex Stakes due to injury but is back 12 months on and in decent form. He shaped like much the best horse in the Queen Anne Stakes when chinned by Docklands and the suspicion is that this race will be more to his liking. He's a fast horse who should enjoy the likely truly run race (2 pacemakers in this) and although he is unlikely to be able to give 8 pounds to Field Of Gold, I fancy he'll have the measure of everything else and rates a fair bet at odds-against in the without market. 

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15:45, British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Handicap

Music Piece 7/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is a fiendishly open fillies handicap to follow up the big race. Quebella looks to have solid chances after a good effort to finish 3rd at Southwell last time out. She came from a long way back that day and is interesting with Jim Crowley in the saddle. Wonder Star has been well drawn in stall 2 and is of interest given she looked classy on seasonal debut at Ascot. She needs to bounce back from a poor run at Newbury since though and hasn't been seen in 74 days. The 3 year olds look to hold sway here and the answer may be in the shape of Andrew Balding's filly Music Piece. The daughter of Camelot looked like a filly to follow last year when building on her career debut at Ascot to win at Haydock in soft ground from a subsequent winner. She seemed progressive in the spring and nearly won the Height Of Fashion here in May. She had the Sandringham winner in behind her that day. She can be forgiven her poor effort since then as the combination of 12 furlongs and fast ground didn't suit her at Ascot. She's now back on a fairer surface over a course and distance that clearly suits. She should run well. 

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16:20, British Stallion Studs EBF Alice Keppel Fillies' Conditions Stakes

No bet

This isn't the strongest renewal and highly touted Wathnan filly Zelania should be hard to beat for all that prohibitive odds aren't attractive given her profile. A race to watch. 

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16:55, World Pool Bet With The Tote Handicap

Havana Blue 28/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

A wide open 20 runner handicap to end the day is not what many punters would like. Native Warrior has course form and will be popular with Christophe Soumillon in the saddle for all that it will be tricky under top weight. Leadman is respected after winning at the July Festival but he doesn't look a prime candidate to back that up. Billyjoh is a likeable horse who usually runs his race but finds winning challenging. In a wide open race it may be worth taking a punt on one at lengthy odds. In that vein, Julie Camacho's string has been having a fine summer and her 5 year old Havana Blue has claims at a big price. The son of Havana Grey has been drawn well in stall 7 and is now back down to a mark he has won off. Not the most consistent it must be said but he finished 2nd off a pound higher over this trip and in this grade at Sandown in August before bettering that effort to finish 4th in a big field handicap at Leopardstown. He's had wind surgery since and must bounce back from a poor run last time out but he was made too much use off and will be more at home in a bigger field.  

Ascot - Saturday 26th July

 I will be at Ascot tomorrow for the King George, a race that I have seen every year since 2011 apart from the covid year when Enable won her third. Tomorrow looks like a cracking card. 

13:10, British EBF Crocker Bulteel 'Confined' Maiden Stakes

No bet

An interesting little maiden opens the card. The last 4 winners have all already had a run and New Monarch fared best of the in the race this year that already have racecourse experience when finishing 2nd at Newbury. I'm not sure that was the strongest race however. Wechaad was well held at Leicester but is seemingly well thought off as he heads the market as I write whereas Godolphin's Words Of Truth finished 8th in what was a red hot maiden at the same course; winner won the Chesham next time out. He's been gelding but Buick sticks with him ahead of unraced stablemate Harbor Lock who is a half brother to the decent Dream Castle. Jane Chapple-Hyam's runner Dark Shore cost 420,000gns and must be of interest too. A race to watch and take note. 

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13:40, Sodexo Live! Princess Margaret Stakes

Sukanya 8/1, 1pt each-way (4 places with bet365)

This looks like a really decent renewal of the Princess Margaret Stakes. There is plenty of decent form on show here. We have the 2nd, 3rd and 4th from the Empress run at Newmarket last month and although that looks better form now that the 5th placed filly has come out and won the Super Sprint, this looks a tougher race than that. Staya will have her supporters after winning the Dragon Stakes at Sandown last time out but 6 furlongs on this stiff track against decent opposition could stretch her a little. Fitzella was a game 4th in the Albany at the Royal Meeting and should run well but I wonder if other fillies are catching her up now whilst Flowerhead brings the best form to the table having finished 2nd to True Love in the Queen Mary. She came from a long way back that day to shape as though this step up in trip is in the calling but she was 100/1 that day and she never looked like winning at any stage. Daneh Of Dandy is 1 from 1 having won nicely at Ripon but more interest is given to the other unbeaten runner in the race, Sukanya. Jack Channon's Havana Grey filly was fairly unfancied at Newbury on debut 32 days ago, sent off at 16/1. Not a lot went right for her in the run as she was repeatedly denied a clear run and snatched up but she couldn't have been more professional and found loads for pressure when sighting daylight. That looked like a fair maiden and she was value for much more than the winning distance of 1 length suggests. This is a big step up in grade but it's notable that connections pitch her in the group level straight off the bat and this race has been won by fillies having their second starts 3 times since 2011. 

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14:20, Longines Valiant Stakes

Pina Sonata 13/2, 1pt each-way (4 places with bet365)

Another up to scratch renewal on the afternoon. The Valiant Stakes was won last year by subsequent Group 1 winner Friendly Soul. While it's impossible to tell if any of these will go on to victory at the highest level, it looks a decent enough race for the grade and it will take plenty of winning. Honours are pretty even in recent years between the classic generation and their elders. Royal Dress brings in the best recent form of the older runners after hacking up at Listed level at Pontefract last time out. She looked good that day but she was entitled to win on the ratings and this is tougher. It's also worrying that she was disappointing on her only run over course and distance. The 3 year olds will probably hold sway here. The market is headed by Ralph Beckett's filly Chantilly Lace. She brings Group 1 form to the table having finished 5th in both the 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes. Although a creditable effort last time out over this course and distance, it was worrying how little she found up the home straight having come from off a fast pace. She's a big girl who won on heavy ground on debut last year and may need an easier surface and more time to be seen to best effect. She's short enough in the market on what she's shown. Cajole ran well in the Coral Distaff last time out when finishing 2nd to a very good Juddmonte filly but she is now looking a tad exposed. American Gal, Bermuda Longtail and Glittering Surf all bring in decent form from the spring but need to bounce back to form from similar types of disappointments. A chance is therefore taken on James Fanshawe's progressive filly, Pina Sonata. The daughter of Pinatubo built on her debut promise at Newmarket last year and hacked up at Wolverhampton in what was an above average maiden for the track (3 subsequent winners in behind and a yawning gap of 11 lengths between 2nd and 3rd). She built on that again to hose up under a penalty at Leicester. She did plenty wrong that day but still quickened clear late on in the stykeof a nice filly. She's completely unexposed and is clearly well thought off. She could be the value pick here.

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15:00, Moet & Chandon International Handicap

ANTE-POST Fresh 40/1, 0.5pts each-way (4 places)
Qazaq 12/1, 1pt win
Yorkshire 14/1, 1pt win

The big handicap of the afternoon looks set to be a belter once again. It's not worth trying to guess the draw really and none of the action that proceeds this will give much of an indication of where you want to be. The last 2 winners have been drawn 1 and 24, take from that what you will. I put up Fresh earlier in the week at 40/1 and am happy to see his odds contract now to about a general 16/1 shot. He still holds claims. Array would be of interest if he bounced back to form but is increasingly looking frustrating. Northern Express won this last year and is weighted to go well again so is respected, whilst Golden Mind must have a chance on Epsom form but must shrug off a poor run in the Wokingham. Akkadian Thunder must have a favourites chance given how well he runs at the track but their is a hint that the handicapper is catching up. Alto is well in here and will have his followers after narrowly missing out in the Bunbury Cup earlier this month. He's not one to set your watch by. Instead at bigger prices, Qazaq and Yorkshire make some appeal. Roger Varian's Qazaq won his first 3 races, all on the all weather, and looked like a decent horse in the making. He's a well made son of Kingman but seemed to get a bit lost at Newcastle earlier this year when making his challenge up the centre of the track. He was given a length break of 176 days before making his reappearance at Newmarket 30 days ago. He was well fancied that day but was bumped by a rival coming out of the stalls and never really settled. Despite that, and some tender handling by the jockey, he finished well to finish a close up 6th. This track will suit better and I'm sure he'll strip fitter for the run. A mark of 92 could look lenient in time given his profile. Yorkshire is a bit more exposed for the Ed Bethell yard. This 5 year old has a decent strike rate however having won 6 of his 18 races. Quick ground and 7 furlongs seem to suit him well and I thought he ran a cracker at the Royal Meeting on his first run from a break to finish 6th in the Buckingham Palace Stakes despite switching a few times and ending up well off the near side rail which was fancied all day. He'll come on for that. 

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15:35, Betfred Handicap

Bullet Point 9/2, 2pts win

A 17 runner handicap on the straight course at Ascot is always a fiendish proposition for a punter but it may be that the favourite here is a group horse masquerading as a handicapper. William Haggas's Bullet Point went into the Royal Hunt Cup having won his past 3 races, bounding 23 pounds up the handicap in the process. Despite being drawn on the wrong side he finished 2nd in the race to My Cloud who was in receipt of 2 pounds. This is easier and the draw in stall 9 today looks more favourable. The burden of 9 stone 12 pounds is hefty but the son of Blue Point is upwardly mobile and you get the sense that connections fancy he's better than this. 

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16:10, King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Jan Brueghel 15/8, 4pts win

This will be the 14th King George I have witnessed. It all started for me in 2011 when Nathaniel downed the Arc winner Workforce in a race that was marred by the fatal injury sustained by Rewilding. In 2012 I saw perhaps the best race I have ever seen when Germany's Arc winner Danedream chinned Nathaniel on the line in a race for the ages. In 2013 Germany were at it again when Novelist under an inspired Johnny Murtagh destroyed the field and the track record at the same time. Injury curtailed his career and we never got to see him on the stage again. In 2014 we saw another outstanding performance, this time from Oaks winner Taghrooda. In receipt of lumps of weight John Gosden's filly sprinted away to win easily under Paul Hanagan. She would go on to finish 3rd in the Arc. To this day, she's still the strongest 3 year old filly I've ever seen. Postponed won a thrilling renewal in 2015 and went on to win a Juddmonte International the year after. In 2016 globetrotter Highland Reel had his biggest win in the UK under a masterclass of a ride from Ryan Moore. 2017 saw Enable defy Ulyssses and emulate Taghrooda by winning the King George after taking the Oaks. Poets Word downed stablemate Crystal Ocean in 2018 in a terrific encounter. He was an underestimated horse who was given a cracking ride by James Doyle on the day. Enable was back in 2019 to extend her winning sequence before going on to bring up the hattrick in 2020. Adayar became the first Derby winner since Galileo to claim the race in the same season in 2021 and is still to this day not given the credit he deserves due to an injury plagued career. He now stands in Japan. Pyledriver pulled off a win for the underdog in 2022 before Hukum defied his injury problems to out-battle Westover in a battle for the ages. And last year, Goliath sprung a surprise to hack up under Cristophe Soumillion. 4 of those winners were from the Classic generation, 3 of them English Classic winners already but it is disappointing that the age group wont be represented this year. Nonetheless, we have a cracking race in store. Rebel's Romance is a favourite of the sport and you can set your watch by him. This year's race will probably set up better for him than last year when he weakened up the run in but at the age of 7 you feel he has it all to do against younger improving types. Kalpana bolted up here on Champions Day on bad ground but has shown that wasn't a fluke by putting up 2 solid showings in defeat so far this year. The last day she was outbattled by Whirl but that was still some effort giving away weight. She must have a chance but may be outbattled again by stronger types. Calandagan and Jan Breughel gave us a thrilling end to the Coronation Cup at Epsom last month and are back again for round 2. The French gelding has won at Group 1 level since and looked good in the process. This is harder though and it is worrying that the Aga Khan's runner doesn't seem to enjoy a battle and this race looks sure to set up for a tussle. Preference again is for last year's St Leger winner Jan Breughel to come out on top. Hukum and Pyledriver both contested the St Leger before taking this race and the Ballydoyle colt can follow in their footsteps. This race seems to suit a staying type these days and with a pacemaker deployed to make sure there are no hiding places it could be that the big striding son of Galileo is too hard to pass.

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16:45, Me2 Club Handicap

Criminal 6/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)

Richard Hughes must be riding the crest of a wave after his July Cup win earlier this month. He hasn't managed a winner since but the runners continue to go well enough and I fancy his runner here as one of the bets of the day. Criminal, a 3 year old son of Sea The Moon, has been pulled out of a few entries lately to keep me guessing as to where he will turn up but I reckon connections know he's well handicapped and are keen to win a nice race on handicap debut. It doesn't get much better than winning a race on King George day. The gelding looks fairly weighted off a mark of 80 now stepping up in trip, which will suit on breeding. He has shown decent form on the all weather (beaten by Cajole and Nahraan 2 starts back at Wolverhampton) which always reads well at Ascot and his run at Chester is better than it looks considering he was green enough. William Buick rides and that is enough for me. 

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17:15, Whispering Angel Handicap

Aramram 10/3, 3pts win

This is not the strongest 5 furlong handicap run at Ascot and another top weight could be the answer. Aramram is high in the weights now but he's given the impression that he could cut it at Group level and I don't see this drop in trip as causing too many issues. It's the easiest race he's contested for a while and Ryan Moore rides. 

Ante-Post (Moet & Chandon International Stakes), Ascot Saturday 26th July

Ascot Saturday 26th July

Moet & Chandon International Stakes

Fresh 40/1, 0.5pts each-way (4 places)

Metal Merchant 40/1. 0.5pts each-way (4 places)

The big handicap next week is at Ascot on King George day, the 7 furlong International Stakes. 7 furlongs at Ascot is a bit of a specialist's dream and it often pays to look at horses who have run well over it. To that end, James Fanshawe's admirable 8 year old Fresh looks overpriced at 40/1. He's perhaps not quite the force of old and is now rated 95 but it's worth remembering he won this race of a higher mark in 2022 and was 3rd in it last year when the ground was a bit faster than he liked. With a bit of rain around this week, it's unlikely the surface at Ascot on Saturday will be rattling fast which will aid this veteran. He carried his form well last year, rounding off by finishing 4th over C&D on Champions Day and he can be forgiven his seasonal debut at Newcastle last month as he always needs his first run of the year. Another who likes this test is Jack Channon's 5 year old Metal Merchant. The son of Make Believe is now 2 pounds lower in the weights than when a fast finishing 4th in this last year and I'm sure connections have been plotting their way back to this ever since. He's won over the straight course at Ascot before, over a mile and although he's not been at his best in 2 runs so far this year, he's bounced back from poor shows before and the stable is going along nicely now. Both runners look overpriced. 

Market Rasen - Saturday 19th July

14:40, Unibet Same Race Multi Summer Handicap Hurdle

Moon Chime 8/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

The big handicap hurdle of the day could go the way of David Killahena & Graeme McPherson's Pether's Moon gelding, Moon Chime. The 7 year old was fancied for a big field handicap at Aintree in April but was brought down at the first. He managed to make amends at Hexham afterwards when slicing through the field approaching the last hurdle to win by a widening margin. He left the impression that day that there is more in the tank and that a bigger field and stronger pace would be beneficial. He has never been out of the first 4 since sent handicapping and it's worth noting that his two defeats when completing came after a break. Moon Chime hasn't run over hurdles since that Hexham victory 77 days ago which would therefore, have been of some concern but the stable sent him to Goodwood last month for a run on the flat and looks to have been aimed at this since. He'll handle any ease in the ground if the rain arrives and looks set for a big run. 

Uttoxeter - Wednesday 16th July

15:38, Jal Roofing Handicap Chase

Jet Smart 7/2, 2pts win

Jet Smart will be only the 8th runner for the trainer Dean Summersby so far in 2025 but has won his most recent start to follow up a successful stint between the flags. The ex-David Pipe trained 7 year old won well at Worcester last time, with the 3rd placed horse a subsequent winner, impressing with his jumping. He takes a step up the ladder here but is taking on pretty exposed types and should be just peaking in his career now. A mark of 107 looks very manageable and he left the impression the last day as though he's got plenty more to give. 

Thirsk - Tuesday 15th July

21:00, Thirsk Racecourse Ideal Conference Venue Handicap

Dumfries 13/2, 1pt each-way (4 places)

The bet of the day comes in the very last race of the day. Ruth Carr's 5 year old Dumfries has had a fine 2025 already with 2 wins, the first of which came over course and distance in April. Rated 55, he's now 4 pounds higher than when victorious then but he's still well weighted on old form (rated 79 in his peak) and is clearly in rude health. His form over 7 furlongs on good ground or better reads 1st, 2nd, 1st, 4th and he didn't have much luck in running the last time The stables horses are running well enough and James Sullivan seems to have come to Thirsk for this horse. 

Newmarket - Saturday 12th July

The 3rd and final day of the July Festival is here. 

13:40, Rossdales British EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes

No bet

The race that subsequent 1000 Guineas winner Desert Flower won last year. Classy pedigrees on show but not a lot to go on from a punting perspective. I'll sit this one out. 

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14:12, TrustATrader 20th Anniversary Fillies' Handicap

Miss Nightfall 2/1, 2pts win

James Fanshawe's filly Miss Nightfall looked well handicapped when finishing 2nd at Goodwood on seasonal debut. She ran a cracker at Royal Ascot from a bad track position and this is easier. 

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14:50, bet365 Bunbury Cup

More Thunder 11/8, 3pts win

2 more strides and More Thunder would have pulled off a remarkable win in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot. A step up to 7 furlongs has looked all season as though it would be a good move and it's hard to oppose him here. 

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15:25, bet365 Mile Handicap

Raafedd 4/1, 2pts win

William Haggas's 3 year old Teofilo colt was sent off 11/2 favourite for the Hunt Cup but the race didn't pan out for him and he's worth another chance. He looked potentially very good when bolting up at Newbury the time before from a couple of subsequent winners and this 8 runner field will be more to his liking. 

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16:00, bet365 Superlative Stakes

No bet

Italy has been a big talking horse lately and it's hard to take him on here for powerful connections who took this a couple of years ago with City Of Troy but he's short enough for me.

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16:35, July Cup

Notable Speech 2/1, 2pts win

A poor renewal of the season's premier sprint could be ripe for the picking for the in-form Charlie Appleby stable. Symbol Of Honour arrives with a big chance but it is last year's 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech who brings the best form to the table. Sure he has to prove it on his first go over 6 furlongs having raced exclusively over a mile throughout his career but he has often hinted that he has the pace for this and the July Cup has been won plenty of times by horses dropping back in trip. 

Newmarket - Friday 11th July

0.88pts profit after day one of the July Festival. Day 2 looks a cracker. 

13:50, bet365 Handicap

Kurakka 11/2, 1.5pts each-way (3 places)

There may only be 8 runners for this 3 year old heritage handicap but it is a quality renewal with improvers aplenty. King's Charter heads the weights after winning a decent novice race at Doncaster in good style. That looks fair form but he hasn't been missed by the handicapper and has been well found in the market. Urban Glimpse brings in decent from for the in form Andrew Balding stable but may lack some of the potential of his rivals. Marhaba Ghaiyyath is improving fast and has a likeable attitude. He's respected but slight preference is for Alan King's colt, Kurakka. This son of American stallion Megalia D'oro stepped up from his 2 runs at the back end of 2024 to win convincingly over this trip in a maiden at Chelmsford in the spring. The 3rd that day has gone close since in a decent novice. Kurakka stepped up on that effect again to win well on handicap debut over 12 furlongs at Haydock last time in a race that has thrown up plenty of winners since. He had plenty to spare that day and left the impression he can improve further on his mark. This step back in trip will hold no fears and given his pedigree you'd expect him to enjoy this faster surface. He looks the value in the race.

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14:25, Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes

Venetian Sun 8/13, 1.3pts win

Karl Burke's star juvenile filly looked like top class when winning the Albany at Royal Ascot and she should have too much for her opposition again here. 

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15:00, bet365 Trophy

Real Dream 8/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)
Liari 18/1, 0.5pts each-way (4 places)

This is an intriguing and open renewal of the day's main handicap. Oneforthegutter was 2nd in this 12 months ago and arrives in decent nick. He must have a chance but is higher in the weights this year and will need to find improvement. Endless Victory top the weights for Charlie Appleby and William Buick and heads the market after his eye-catching run at Royal Ascot. Defying top weight will be hard here though and he doesn't strike as a consistent sort. Align The Stars is back on his last winning mark but has been on a bad run of form. Insanity arrives off the back of a win at Ayr and is unexposed at the trip. Story Horse is another improving type who arrives here fresher than some after missing Royal Ascot. He's won at the other course here and the form of his Goodwood 2nd reads very well. He's respected, as is Northumberland Place runner-up Dancing In Paris for all that it did seem Newcastle was the big aim and now has to back up from that big effort 13 days later. Real Dream is another who is backing up quickly after finishing 3rd in the Coral Marathon just 7 days ago. That effort means he's well in here and looks to hold every chance with Tom Marquand taking the ride for the first time. He's now a pound lower than when 2nd in a Rowley Mile handicap last spring and 2 pounds lower than when he finished an unlucky 3rd in the Roseberry at Kempton this April. His run at the Royal Meeting was better than the placing suggested and if Marquand came time his run right here, he should have a big chance. At the prices, Michael Bell's Liari is worth chancing too. He bolted up on stable debut in May and you can put a line through his run in the Ascot Stakes. He's still pretty unexposed and a big price. 

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15:35, Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes

January 15/8, 3pts win

This year's Group 1 Falmouth Stakes, the highlight of day 2, is lacking a superstar and is perhaps ripe for the picking by an improver. Elmalka caused an upset in last year's 1000 Guineas and although she has run well since without winning, she's looking exposed and vulnerable for win purposes. Crimson Advocate downed Cinderella's Dream at Royal Ascot and must have a big shout. The ground will suit but she has done all her winning on round tracks and this stiff straight mile may not suit. The Godolphin filly must have a chance of reversing Ascot form, especially as she is 3 pounds better off at the weights but she too is beginning to look exposed and may lack potential. Elwateen is a nice looking and well bred daughter of Dubawi but needs to step up on her form in 2 classics so far this year. Running Lion would go close on the best of her form but isn't reliable these days and although German 1000 Guineas winner Lady Ilze shouldn't be dismissed out of hand, she looks to have it all to do on bare form. Atsila downed the Coronation Stakes winner on just her second start earlier this year and is of interest but it is worrying how she didn't put up much of a show in the Irish 1000 Guineas and has been given time off since. All of these fillies have questions to answer and may find it hard to fend off the Ballydoyle contender January. This daughter of Kingman brigs in classy juvenile form having been runner up to 1000 Guineas winner Desert Flower in the Fillies' Mile in October. That was on easy ground but she won at Listed level last year on good to firm. She was disappointing on seasonal debut when finishing a mere 8th in the Irish Guineas but that was probably needed that and was only a 2nd string on the day. She showed improvement for that outing when finishing 3rd in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot where she shaped as though there was more to come still. This stiff, straight mile looks sure to suit and given natural improvement she should take all the beating here. 

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16:10, Weatherbys British EBF Maiden Stakes

Distant Storm 2/1, 0.5pts win

This maiden was on by Field Of Gold last year. Godolphin shelled out 1,900,000 guineas for Distant Flower. He is very well bred and the stable like to bring their good ones to maidens here. 

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16:45, Dubai Racing Club Handicap

Sterling Knight 9/1, 0.75pts each-way (3 places)

Ed Dunlop's likeable 6 year old Sterling Knight has won at the track before and is proven on the ground. Ryan Moore takes over and this son of Camelot is well handicapped on his best form. Looks to hold a fair chance. 

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17:20, debenhams.com Handicap

Grandlad 5/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

4 year old Acclamation gelding Grandlad was touched off by reopposing Nogo's Dream at Windsor last time out but now goes in search of revenge with a 4 pound pull at the weights. He's well handicapped on last year's form and after 2 poor efforts earlier this year he's now back on track. If he can step up on that effort he should be going close here. Trainer James Horton's last runner was an 18/1 winner at Brighton 2 days ago. 

Newmarket - Thursday 10th July

The July Festival is here already, can you believe it. 3 days of top quality summer flat action. I'll run through every race. 

13:50, Bahrain Trophy Stakes

Scandinavia 5/4, 2pts win

3 of the 5 runners here were last seen contesting the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot last month. Nighttime Dancer arrives fresher than those as he has not been seen since finishing 8th in the Derby but he may find that this race isn't run to suit and may end up wanting even more of a stamina test. Further finished 2nd in the Queen's Vase, 3 places ahead of Scandinavia but preference in the rematch is for the Aidan O'Brien trained son of Justify. The Ballydoyle colt raced at least 3 wide throughout much of the Ascot race, whereas Andrew Balding's runner had the inside rail throughout. Not a lot went right for Scandinavia but he was only just behind Further at the line and shapes as though he has more improvement in him and will probably appreciate this step up in trip. 

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14:25, Kingdom Of Bahrain July Stakes

Jel Pepper 17/2, 1pt win

This looks to be a high quality renewal of the 2 year old Group 2 over the 6 furlongs. Mehmas won this in 2016 and his Godolphin owned son, Maximised is likely to start at short odds to emulate his father. Charlie Appleby's colt beat the subsequent Windsor Castle winner at Epsom last time but the runner up hated the track and the winner did take a while to get his act together. He may be worth taking on at the prices. Brussels looks the obvious alternative. He comes into this with a 1 from 1 record and the form of his debut win has been franked plenty. He looks nice but is vying for favouritism now whereas Paul & Oliver Cole's runner, Jel Pepper, is a much bigger price. The son of Inns Of Court was barely sighted int he parade ring at Goodwood on debut last month but was hammered off the boards as if people knew he was good and duly won like a nice horse, quickening clear of a fair field to win by a widening 3 1/2 lengths. He's stepped markedly up in grade today but he left the impression that he has an engine and looks value against the front two. Do Or Do Not must also be respected as a Coventry Stakes runner up for all that he lacks the potential of his rivals. 

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15:00, Bet Boost At bet365 Handicap

Hucklesbrook 13/2, 1pt each-way (5 places)

This is a fiendish 18 runner, 3 year old only sprint handicap so caution is advised. Hucklesbrook however, arrives off the back of 2 wins over this trip. He was last seen fending off 17 rivals at York and he did most of it from the front end that day. Ryan Moore takes charge today and this Acclaim gelding is improving at a rate of knots. He's drawn in stall 16 but that is no bad thing as 7 of the last 12 winners were drawn 14 or wider with only 2 in that time coming from single figure stalls. 

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15:35, Princess Of Wales's Stakes

Ghostwriter 7/4, 2pts win

Known as a bit of a favourite's graveyard, the Princess Of Wales's Stakes highlights the opening day of the July Festival. Godolphin have 2 of the 5 runners but both have questions to answer. Arabian Crown looked a name to follow last year when winning the Sandown Classic Trial but has only been seen twice since and has been deserted by William Buick. He opts to ride El Cordobes instead. The likeable Frankel gelding could look to dominate this from the front but had little excuse when beaten in a Group 3 at Newbury in the Spring over this trip and looks to have found his level. Wimbledon Hawkeye is the sold 3 year old in the race who must have a chance in receipt of weight all round and ran well at Royal Ascot but is looking exposed now and this is a tough race to bounce back to winning ways in. Palladium has run well on his 2 starts so far this season, 3rd at Goodwood and 4th at Royal Ascot. He'll appreciate this stiff finish but he finished behind Ghostwriter last time out and may struggle to turn around form. Clive Cox's colt is set to go off favourite here and so he should as he is clear on ratings and ran well at the Royal meeting considering he was mightily keen throughout and was probably closer than ideal to a frenetic pace there. There is a worry that he hasn't won at this trip but he shaped as though he's up to winning over it and his 3 year old form is head and shoulders above anything else in the race. This looks a good bit of placing. 

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16:10, British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes

Night Shining 2/1, 1pt win

Not a lot to go on here but the owners of Night Shining paid 475,000 guineas for her and she comes with a speedy pedigree. She's bred to be sharp and George Boughey has snapped up the services of Ryan Moore. Expect a big run. 

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16:45, Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes

Opera Ballo 11/8, 3pts win

This looks to be a nice renewal of the Sir Henry Cecil Stakes with King Of Cities bringing French Derby form to the table. He's in receipt of 3 pounds from favourite Opera Ballo and on the ratings should be winning this but I was at Sandown to see the Godolphin colt win the Heron Stakes in May and I thought he shaped like a cut above this level that night. The speedy son of Ghaiyyath hosed up on his first 2 runs (all weather) early in the year before finding the Craven too much too soon when beaten into 6th by Europe's best horse, Field Of Gold. He bounced back in no uncertain terms at Sandown later that month though when smashing a decent field despite being keen throughout. That form has been franked as the runner up has gone close in a French Group 2 since. He'll have learned a lot from Sandown and should be winning this on his way to better things. 

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17:20, Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Handicap

Parole D'oro 9/4, 2pts win

I was a fan of Michael Bell's 3 year old colt going into Royal Ascot, where he finished 8th in the Britannia. That was a good run considering he didn't have much luck. He should be up to winning this. 

Pontefract & Uttoxeter - Tuesday 8th July

Pontefract 

15:10, Weatherbys Hamilton Pipalong Stakes

Royal Dress 11/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

An up to scratch renewal of this listed race for fillies and mares highlights Tuesday afternoon's racing. It's not always the easiest race to predict with only 1 outright favourite winning in the last 10 years. It may pay to oppose the favourite again here as Sparks Fly is currently heading the market but may find the ground fast enough. Soprano is respected but carries a penalty, whilst Charlotte's Web brings in decent all weather form but needs to prove she is as effective on turf. Preference at the prices is for James Tate's 5 year old Night Of Thunder mare, Royal Dress. Unsuited by the track and way the race panned out at Epsom last time out, she comes here with something of a point to prove. She did however, win at Group 3 level in Ireland last year and this track should suit here. The stable is in form and she's well drawn in stall 2. Expect a big run. 

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Uttoxeter

19:30, Plink On The Air Rifle Range At Eaton Hall Handicap Hurdle

Kitesurfer 5/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Plenty are in decent nick coming into this staying handicap hurdle but it may be a good idea to side with the younger horse, Kitesurfer. Jamie Snowden's string is in good form and his 6 year old here still looks feasibly weighted off a mark of 117. He stays well, being a three time winner at about this trip, and does all of his winning in the summer. Gavin Sheehan is back aboard having won on Kitesurfer twice before and will find this race run to suit much more than the 3 and 4 runner events he has been beaten in the last twice. 

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21:00, Eaton Hall Shooting Ground Open NH Flat Race

The Hustler 9/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Fergal O'Brien does terrifically well in bumpers and has been banging in the winners over the past few weeks. His runner here is a big gross gelding who ran a decent race at Southwell to finish 3rd when made plenty of use of from the front. He shaped as though he'll enjoy this stiffer track and will have learned a lot for that outing. 

Worcester - Monday 7th July

15:45, dragonbet.co.uk Born From The Betting Ring Handicap Hurdle

My Chiquita 8/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Already a course and distance winner, Ben Brookhouse's 6 year old mare makes appeal on her first hurdles start for 313 days. She is fit however, from 2 fair runs on the flat recently and finds herself only 3 pounds higher than for her previous win and 5 pounds higher than when 2nd of 14 at Aintree the time before. She looks primed for a big run. 

Sandown & Haydock - Saturday 5th July

A big weekend of action with the Eclipse taking centre stage at Sandown. One of the real highlight's of the racing year. The Eclipse is the first chance we get to see the 3 year old colts take on their elders and this year looks to be another fascinating renewal. I will be in Esher tomorrow to see who will join the list of legends to have won the great race. 

13:50, Coral Charge

She's Quality 4/1, 1.5pts win

The 5 furlong Group 3 that opens the card is about as open as it gets. Kerdos' 5th place finish in a Group 1 last time out is good form but he is short enough in the market for a horse who wins rarely. Andrestia won nicely at the same meeting but is stepping out of handicap company and 3 year olds don't have a great recent record in this. Rumstar is of some interest but has run badly on his last 2 starts and has also run poorly on his only 2 starts at Sandown. The percentage call is the Irish filly She's Quality. Jack Davison's daughter of Acclimation progressed through the ranks last year and has carried on where she left off with 2 runner up placings at group level so far this year. She's a bit fresher than some of these as she missed Royal Ascot and her form from the Temple Stakes reads well in this. She's drawn in stall 4 but the 3 inside of her are unlikely front runners so there's a good chance she will get the inside rail and could prove hard to pass. 

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14:25, Coral Challenge

Greek Order 11/4, 2pts win

The big handicap of the afternoon and it has paid to look towards the higher rated runners in recent years. Hi Royal tops the weights and has decent form but was poor in the Hunt Cup last time out and isn't reliable. Treasure Time looked progressive last year and must be in calculations on seasonal debut whilst Classic always runs well at the Esher track and has a chance. Preference though is for Michael Bell's Greek Order. He finished a decent 4th in the Hunt Cup last time out on what was his first start in the UK since finishing 3rd in a Listed race at the back end of 2023. He's still well weighted on old form, as when 2nd in the 2023 Cambridgeshire and must have a huge chance in this easier race with Ryan Moore taking the ride. 

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15:00, Coral Distaff

Blue Bolt 7/4, 2pts win

This listed race for fillies has been won by 22/1 and 25/1 shots for the past 2 years but it looks unlikely that this year's renewal will throw up such a shock. Victory Queen is unbeaten in 2 starts and should go well for all she needs to up her game quite a bit along with Supermodel and Cajole who bring in decent handicap form. Bermuda Longtail is considered if shrugging off her poor run at form but they all look to have plenty on their plate to defeat Juddemonte's Blue Point filly Blue Bolt. Andrew Balding's runner hasn't looked back since disappointing at Southwell on career debut. She bolted up at Windsor on quick ground in a maiden before dismissing a fair field at Newbury under a penalty. The form isn't outstanding but the manner in which she has been striding clear of her opposition suggests she is a classy filly and looks capable of taking the next step up the ladder. 

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15:35, Coral Eclipse

Ombudsman 11/10, 2pts win

This will be the 16th Eclipse I have seen. It all started for me in 2009 when one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Sea The Stars, fended off the late challenge of Rip Van Winkle in a race for the ages. Sea The Stars would go through the year unbeaten in a campaign that brought 6 straight Group 1's culminating in the Arc. It was a season that will likely never be surpassed and I count myself privileged to have witnessed part of it. Some legends of the game have won this since however, including Golden Horn and Enable. But every year throws up something memorable. Dual Champion Stakes hero Twice Over was a poignant winner for Sir Henry Cecil in 2010 whilst the 2011 renewal threw up a classic dual between Australian superstar So You Think and Derby/Arc winner Workforce, with the colt from down under winning the argument. Nathaniel proved the doubters wrong in 2012, Al Kazeem lit up the summer of 2013 when following up here after victory in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Roger Charlton's great horse edged out Mukhadram that day but that colt would come back 12 months on to claim the prize for himself in 2014, a renewal in which Nigh Of Thunder was well beaten. Golden Horn followed up his Derby win in 2015 before taking an Arc and in 2016 Hawkbill angered punters when he edged out Coolmore's French Guineas winner The Gurkha. In 2017 the classy Ulysses came out the victor in a lengthy battle with Barney Roy and a year later Roaring Lion would down Guineas winner Saxon Warrior in a race that was the first sign of his greatness. Enable brought the house down in 2019 but Ghaiyyath had no witnesses to his brutal route in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. St Mark's Basilica defied Emily Upjohn in 2021 during a perfect campaign that also yielded 2 French Classics and an Irish Champion Stakes. Another French Derby winner won the 2022 edition in the shape of Vadeni before Coolmore stepped in to win the last 2 renewals with the iron clad Paddington in 2023 and the imperious City Of Troy last year. 

6 go to post this year and they are headed by the once beaten Godolphin colt Ombudsman. This 4 year old son of Night Of Thunder bids to do what his father could not and win Sandown's only Group 1. After a perfect campaign last year a 3 year old this powerful colt tasted defeat for the first time over this course and distance in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes back in May but it is worth noting that he was visibly in need of the run that day and still looked as though he would win coming down to the final furlong. That form was still top drawer however, as the winner, Almaqam, was in receipt of weight and is a Group 1 level performer in his own right. Ombudsman stepped up markedly from that to run out an easy winner of the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot 17 days ago though in what for many was the performance of the week. The manner in which he sprinted past his rivals as if they were stood still has stuck in the mind and he attempts to become the first horse since Al Kazeem to follow up in the Eclipse after taking the Prince Of Wales's Stakes. Opposition is fierce however, as it should be. French training master Andre Fabre sends Sosie across the channel. This 4 year old has come a long way since finishing 4th in last year's Arc. He has won both his starts this year in impressive fashion and has shown that he has the pace for this trip as well. His form however, does not look as strong as Ombudsman and he's not proven on quick ground. Nobody can question the wisdom of his trainer however and this son of Sea The Stars is respected in his attempt to emulate his father's win in this race. Both Ombudsman and Sosie must give weight to the rest of the field here as they are all 3 year olds. It is worth remembering that all of the past 4 winners have been from the classic generation and indeed all of them were also classic winners: St Mark's Basilica (French Guineas & French Derby), Vadeni (French Derby), Paddington (Irish 2000 Guineas) and City Of Troy (Derby). 2 of the 4 here today are classic winners. Ruling Court downed Field Of Golden when winning the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and looked destined for a crack at the Derby before being pulled out at the 11th hour. He disappointed at Royal Ascot since however and is now deserted by William Buick. He looks to have a point to prove now and he could not have been found a harder race. Camille Pissarro is the other Classic winner in the race having won the French Derby last month. He's improving all the time but the form of the French Classics has not looked up to scratch this year and he is also deserted by his usual jockey, Ryan Moore. Whilst Buick jumps ship to Ombudsman which is expected given how imperious he looked last time out, Ryan Moore has raised a few eyebrows by deserting a French Derby winner for Delacroix, a colt who was last seen finish down the field in the Derby at Epsom. This son of Dubawi and Tepin did start favourite for the Derby however, and the thinking in Ballydoyle is that this is his preferred distance. Epsom was a non event really and this will be more a test of his credentials. In receipt of weight Delacroix could be the main opposition to Ombudsman as he looked faultless in the spring when hacking up in his 2 Derby trials. He's a lovely looking individual and will have his optimum conditions here. Jessie Harrington's Too Darn Hot colt, Hotazhell rounds off the field. He defeated Delacroix at Doncaster last year but has only been seen once since and that was a satisfactory run when 3rd in the Irish 2000 Guineas but does need to step forward a great deal here. 

It's a classy renewal of the Eclipse but Ombudsman should be up to defying the weight concession and cementing his place in racing legend. 

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Haydock

15:15, bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap

My Dream World 11/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

The big handicap of the day is at Haydock, the Old Newton Cup. Ben Brookhouse's My Dream World looked a horse to follow last year and stepped up on a fair seasonal debut run at Ascot when winning the Queen Mother's Cup at York last time out. I think he is worth more than his mark still and being still lightly raced had room for improvement. He has won at this course which bodes well and Jason Hart rides for the first time. 

Epsom - Wednesday 2nd July

21:00, Betfred 'Pick Your Punt' Handicap

Diamondonthehill 9/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Kieran Shoemark rides this 7 year old who has been going great guns of late and I think his runner up finish at Goodwood last time out is just about the best recent form in the race. Stable is going well and still fairly weighted on old form. Should go well from stall 2.