Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Eclipse Day Best Bets

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Sandown’s Eclipse card, Haydock’s ITV action and the Belmont Oaks.

Sandown, Saturday

QUEEN ALL STAR looks a fair each way option in Sandown’s opening race (1.50). Although she is yet to be tested at this level, her rapid progress in a light career so far suggests she is capable of a fair bit more. She earned a glowing review from her in-form trainer after her latest win, which was achieved here against the track bias. She’s favourably drawn today, and looks interesting with William Buick booked.

GREEK ORDER looks to have very solid claims in the mile handicap (2.25). He ran a fine race when fancied for the Hunt Cup, and faces nothing of My Cloud’s profile here. In addition, he has won at the track, should have the race run to suit, and has no issue with conditions. Although his fruitless spell in Florida give his form figures an uneven look, he’s not run a single bad race in the UK, and could easily be well ahead of the curve.

BERMUDA LONGTAIL has credentials in the Distaff (3.00). Already proven at this level – unlike her market rivals – she can be pretty readily excused a below par effort at Epsom, when a combination of the track and soft ground was her undoing. She has made the running before, and Oisin Murphy may adopt those tactics here from the inside draw.

SOSIE is starting to look a very big price in the Eclipse (3.35). He is becoming the complete racehorse this season, looking sharper and faster, progressing form-wise, and with an excellent attitude. While his prep has been perfectly timed to peak for this race, the exciting Ombudsman had to run hard off strong fractions only a couple of weeks ago. Ruling Court looks the pick of the three-year-olds, and would rate a danger to all if improving for the extra distance.

Haydock, Saturday

NOVELISTA looks a solid each way proposition in the staying handicap at Haydock (2.05). This looks as though it will be the stiffest test of stamina he’s faced in his brief career to date, and that looks almost certain to bring about further progress. He was arguably undone by greenness at Doncaster, but should be a fair bit sharper for that, and can reverse the form with Many Men. Valiancy is of obvious interest, but looks very short in a competitive heat.

ESTRANGE will probably follow up against a thin field in the Lancashire Oaks (2.40), but she’s cramped odds in what could be a messy affair, so I’m happy to watch her win.

SIR LOWRY’S PASS must have a strong chance in the Old Newton Cup (3.15). He’s bred to be a good horse, but also to stay well, and that is the impression he has created strongly in his solid and progressive efforts over shorter distances.

Saratoga, Saturday

Meanwhile, at Saratoga this evening, TOTALLY JUSTIFIED looks a fair shout to end Nitrogen’s winning sequence in the Belmont Oaks (11.13). This is her third run back, with her form suggesting she’s ready to peak at a track where she produced one of her best juvenile performances.