Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: Eclipse Day Preview

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Eclipse Day from Sandown.

Sandown, Saturday

DESPERATE HERO looks the answer to the Charge, the sprint that kicks off Saturday’s ITV action (1.50). He’s been absurdly impressive the last twice under contrasting conditions, and should be well up to this from a favourable draw. Favourite Live In The Dream will have to be used from his gate to get to the rail, and rain hasn’t helped his cause. Makarova may be the biggest danger after her solid Ascot run.

METAL MERCHANT can make it a double for Jack Channon in the Challenge (2.25). His run at Ascot was hugely eye-catching, looking the winner for 95% of the race, but apparently finding the stiff straight mile a but much. With a little dig in the ground on a round mile, this strong traveller could prove pretty deadly. I might save and have a little on CICERO’S GIFT, who could just be different class to these if he’s straight enough.

INDELIBLE can come out best in the Distaff (3.00). She shouldn’t in theory be able to beat Soprano on disadvantageous  terms from their Ascot running, but she was poorly positioned that day – too far back away from where the action unfolded. For one so inexperienced, she finished off very well, and a drop of rain won’t harm on limited evidence to date.

CITY OF TROY looks unopposable in the Eclipse (3.35). He’s miles better than these, probably should be 1/5, and should be backed to win by three lengths or more to boot. AL RIFFA might be finishing off better than the rest, and can get in the frame for ‘without’ punters.

TOO BOSSY FOR US could be the one in the staying handicap at Haydock (2.05). Progressing with each run, there’s no way the handicapper has him just yet and, as a Golden Horn half brother to a 14 furlong stakes performer, his pedigree is screaming this distance. James Doyle taking over is another big plus.

SEA THEME can outrun her somewhat modest rating in the Lancashire Oaks (2.40). She has just a little work to do with Queen of the Pride and Lady Boba on their Pinnacle Stakes running, but she was favourite that day and looked for all the world like she needed the run. Sharper now, she should step forward, particularly with her stable having finally found its top stride in some style.

RELENTLESS VOYAGER might have another big handicap in him before tackling Pattern races, and can win the Old Newton Cup (3.15). He ran a huge performance on the clock at Newmarket, backed that up by bolting up at Epsom, then appeared not to stay behind the cannily ridden Klondike at York. He’s already run to at least this rating, and can oblige again.