The Fugue can land fifth Group One in Sandown’s Coral-Eclipse
THE CORAL-ECLIPSE at Sandown (3.50pm) is one of the highlights of the flat season, providing the first opportunity for the Classic generation to take on their elders.
They receive 11lb from the older male horses in the field but, even with that concession, I have my doubts about 2000 Guineas winner Night Of Thunder staying this 10-furlong trip tomorrow.
He showed great speed as a juvenile and being a son of Dubawi doesn’t inspire too much confidence.
THE FUGUE is the rightful 9/4 favourite with Star Sports after a stunning win in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot last month, smashing some really good colts, and shattering the reputation of last year’s magnificent Arc winner Treve.
John Gosden and William Buick took this race with Nathaniel in 2012 and The Fugue can end a barren run for fillies and mares in this contest by landing her fifth top-level victory. Verrazano is the danger under Ryan Moore.
Up at Haydock, the bet365 Old Newton Cup (3.30pm) is the big betting race and I want to throw two darts at it.
SALUTATION is a typically tough Mark Johnston horse. He finished in front of favourite Havana Cooler at the royal meeting yet is more than double the price here. The 10/1 with the sponsors is too big.
As is the price about QUIZ MISTRESS, who was beaten a length in a Group Three here in May behind a Gosden filly with a leading chance in the Lancashire Oaks earlier on the card.
This is a big drop in class for a mare usually seen in far better company and she may well be able to take advantage. The 20/1 each-way with Star Sports is value.
Pointers…
SALUTATION e/w 3.30pm Haydock
QUIZ MISTRESS e/w 3.30pm Haydock
THE FUGUE 3.50pm Sandown