Jim Crowley Coral-Eclipse Day Preview
It was a blow to get the news that Anmaat would miss the Coral-Eclipse. A foot abscess is not a major setback, but it came at just the wrong time, and meant missing the race was inevitable. We believe he would have gone there with a leading chance, even in such classy company, but these things happen unfortunately. It’s just a shame for Sheikha Hissa and Owen [Burrows], as having these runners in the big races is what we all aim for.
14:25 Sandown – Revich
My day begins on Revich in the big mile handicap. We won at Chester in May, since then he’s run OK in big races at Epsom and Ascot. He’s a horse who likes a bit of cover and we’re drawn well in stall 3 here, which should help. I can see him running well at a big price at a track that should suit.
15:00 Sandown – Cell Sa Beela
The absence of Breege from this Coral Distaff has left an open-looking race. My filly should come on plenty for her run at Royal Ascot, her first start of the season, and she had some smart form as a two-year-old. Stall 2 is another good draw, and with Roger Varian’s horses going well, she’s another with solid each-way chances.
15:40 Sandown – Coral-Eclipse
Looking at the race from the sidelines now, I honestly couldn’t split Paddington and Emily Upjohn. We know the filly will definitely get the trip, and while Paddington is bred to stay, he does have to prove it, although connections seem very confident he will. I’d say Ryan [Moore] has the more straightforward ride as she can pull early at times, but a lot will depend on the pace of the race.
If West Wind Blows or Dubai Honour make it a slowly run race, I think Paddington will have the turn of foot that could be decisive, but if William [Buick] makes it more of a stamina test, Emily Upjohn could take some pegging back. It could be tactical, but hopefully they can serve up a thriller.
LATEST CORAL-ECLIPSE BETTING
16:40 Sandown – Yantarni
Yantarni is a former Charlie Appleby-trained horse now with Ian Williams. He’s had a couple of runs for Ian and is stepping up in trip here, which as a son of Dubawi he should like. Drying ground shouldn’t be a problem, once again I’m drawn well in stall 1 and I have a good record teaming up with Ian over the years. Hopefully this fellow can continue that in another open looking contest.
17:25 Sandown – Mythical Guest
Mythical Guest is having his first run in a handicap. Two runs ago he ran a good third at Newmarket over this ten furlong trip before stepping up in trip last time which didn’t seem to suit him, so dropping back is no surprise. His trainer George Margarson is a shrewd operator, and with what is the recurring theme on this card, this is another open race where I could run into a place.
Jim Crowley, Coral Racing Ambassador
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