Racing Action Is To Look Forward To This Weekend

As we approach the mid-way point of the flat season, I’m looking with interest at a few of the meetings tomorrow.

At Haydock Park for example, there are certainly some notable handicaps and sprint races to look forward to and a handful of interesting runners.

For me though, I think the main action comes from Sandown where we could see some entertaining races. Meanwhile, it seems – at first glance, that Carlisle might throw up a handful of surprises as well.

Sandown To Stimulate?

It’s essentially ‘Coral day’ at Sandown – each race being sponsored by the popular bookmaker and the action begins with Coral Charge – an exciting sprint race, in which the going is expected to be good.

As such, the ground may suit Saratoga Special who stunned in a Listed 5f at Ayr in cheekpieces recently and now makes the step up in class. I’m intrigued as to how she may handle this but she appears to be a very capable sprinter and could really exploit the ground if it stays dry.

Similarly, I’m intrigued by Shagraan who knows the course well and has some consistency coming into this.

In the Coral Challenge, Hi Royal could appeal with fresh legs, while Tarkhan may also benefit from the course conditions, having also come off the back of three recent wins.

The big one is the Coral Eclipse and there is certainly a strong field here. For me, Ombudsman (William Buick) must be the favourite who is unbeaten this season. However, for value, I like the Aidan O’Brien duo, Ruling Court and Delacroix, both of whom could mount a serious challenge.

How About Haydock?

There are a number of feature races at Haydock Park that interest me. The bet365 Lancashire Oaks certainly has a curious field. Estrange has the course and distance (C&D) after a Grade 3 win here back in May, while there may be some value in Rhoscolyn.

I’m intrigued by the bet365 Eachway Extra Handicap as well. On my radar is Bright, who is well handicapped and certainly runs well when fresh and could be a very valid each way selection. If conditions are good, then I would keep an on End Of Story as well.

I also like the look of Kings Lyn in the Never Ordinary Handicap, especially with PJ McDonald aboard.

The Best Of The Rest May Be Worth A Look

At Carlisle the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Eternal Stakes is an interesting one for me. Saqqara Sands has been consistent – a 2-1-2 record this season and looks like a class act. Verse Of Love (Buick) could be one to keep an eye on also.

A couple at Leicester are also catching my eye, particularly in the Dark Horse Ladies’ Day Classified Stakes. Both Hinitsa Bay and Shark Two One both stand out for me as being ones to watch.

Lastly, in the Springfield Builders Branston Handicap at Nottingham, I’m encouraged by both Hidden Pearl who won last month at Yarmouth, while Elemental Eye could well be a decent each-way shout.