Saturday 7th July 2012

Two races of interest today, one at Haydock and the Eclipse at Sandown.

3.45 Sandown - The Coral Eclipse - Twice Over 2pts each-way @ 16/1 (Bet 365, Boylesports, VC Bet, Independents, get guaranteed where possible) - E/W 3rd

Apparently age "may be taking it's toll" on the old boy Twice Over (he's only seven!), but the way I see it he was entitled to go down a battling head on his seasonal reappearance to a decent horse of Gosdens, and I can forgive any horse a bad run on the ground that Sandown had last time out. The selection won this race in 2010 and, with only one genuine proven Group 1 turf performer in opposition (Nathaniel), the selection looks overpriced at 16/1. He has few questions to answer if he is in top form where others have many - Farhh has to show he has enough class to maintain a Group 1 gallop from pillar to post, Cityscape needs to prove he is good enough for the grade, Crackerjack King and Bonfire likewise - they all need to improve to get to the level usually required to win this. Twice Over posted an RPR of 126 as recently as last August and, having foregone his usual trip to Meydan, is entitled to be slower coming to hand this year. Nathaniel is the big danger but will perhaps come on for the run and I don't like the fact that he scoped dirty as recently as May.

4.00 Haydock Delores Rocket 2pts each-way @ 14/1 (Bet 365, VC Bet, guaranteed, or take 12/1 generally guaranteed)

She's only a wee stump but Delores Rocket seems to make up for it with her attitude and she has battled on very well in her last two starts over five and six furlongs, trips which haven't seen her to best effect in my view. She was prominent early before getting outpaced and staying on strongly over six furlongs here last time, and the step up to seven furlongs and nursery company looks sure to suit. She carries only 7-13 on her back here taking into account the excellent Julie Burke's 3lb claim, and she is well drawn in stall one to be sent on and make use of her light weight. This actually looks a weak contest, and barring the favourite improving again or an improved performance from Bayan Kasirga, she looks to have a strong chance and is overpriced at 12/1+. Trainer Kevin Ryan has an 11% strike rate at this track over the past five seasons returning a level stakes profit of +£51.07.

Profit & loss: day: +2.00 / month: -21.20 / year: -242.68