The Wine Tipster: “Ghaiyyath will just get the better of Enable in one of the races of the season”

WHAT an absolute belter of a renewal for the Eclipse at Sandown Park, with Enable making her seasonal debut on her way to attempt to win an historic third Arc De Triomphe. Last year Enable had the wonderful Magical as her main rival and I didn’t doubt Enable’s ability to win over one mile two furlongs on seasonal debut ahead of a very classy performer, who was making her seasonal reappearance too. 

This year’s renewal is different with main rivals Ghaiyyath and Japan both match fit, with the latter looking sure to come on from Royal Ascot when he had lost the race before the start.

Ghaiyyath has looked relentless, after winning in tremendous style in Meydan and then victorious in the Coronation Cup at Newmarket in equally impressive fashion. Fascinating!

There is of course other competitive racing to enjoy on the card, including a hot renewal of the five-furlong charge at 1.50.

Enjoy!

Cheers

The Wine Tipster.

 

1.50 Sandown  – Charge Sprint Stakes Group 3 (5f)

This is a fascinating renewal, with the three-year-old Liberty Beach just coming out on top ahead of Dakota Gold and Lazuli. Liberty Beach really impressed when up tipped each way at Royal Ascot, finishing third behind Battaash (won this race in 2017) in the King’s Stand.

There is so much to like about her style of running and she has proven course form, having won the Listed Dragon Stakes last year. She is very ground versatile, and three-year-olds have won three of the last five runnings.

Unibet 7/2 win

 

Caspian Prince has of course gone up the ratings for his Newcastle success last weekend, yet out of a good draw in stall two I can’t overlook an each way wager, as the Michael Appleby yard is inform.  

Unibet 20/1 each way

 

2.25 Sandown – Henry II Stakes Group 3 (2m)

Cross Counter was third to Stradivarious in the Ascot Gold Cup and last year he ran well at Royal Ascot and Goodwood to be placed behind this wonderful stayer. He can build on his Royal Ascot run and his last two successes have been over this trip, winning in Meydan last year following his Melbourne Cup victory. He looks to have been found the ideal opportunity in a contest that has cut up.

Unibet 15/8 win

 

3.00 Sandown – Challenge Handicap (1m)

Mutasaamy (nap) for the Roger Varian team has the same rating on the all-weather and turf. 

Last time out in June he travelled very smoothly to win in stylish fashion at Kempton and he seems just as happy on turf, so no reason not to transfer the form over. This four-year-old looks a real improver.

Unibet 11/2 each way

 

3.35 Sandown Eclipse Group 1 (1m 2f)

What a fascinating race as I have said in my introduction and Ghaiyyath just gets the nod on Enable on the basis of match fitness, trip and the fact that Sandown could really suit this highly progressive five-year-old for the inform Charlie Appleby team. At the moment Sandown is good ground and whilst there are showers forecast Ghaiyyath has won on good to soft.

Unibet 9/4 win

 

4.05 – Sandown Gala Stakes Listed Race (1m 2f)

Aloe Vera hasn’t been seen for over a year, since winning a Listed contest at Goodwood on her second start, having won on debut. She was originally tipped up each way for Royal Ascot on Gold Cup day when the ground was too testing so Ralph Beckett pulled her out and then Aloe Vera didn’t run at Newcastle last weekend when declared.

Whilst most of Aloe Vera’s rivals have had a start, I can’t ignore her as she looked a very exciting prospect last season and I have been waiting for her return to action. Sandown looks sure to suit this four-year-old.

Unibet 12/1 each way