There is plenty to look forward to this weekend, not least the fact that summer is finally arriving! There are top cards at both Sandown for the Eclipse, and at Haydock for the Lancashire Oaks.
She's up against some tough opposition though with the likes of the highest rated Kingsgate Native back to form this term, Duke of Firenze the Dash winner in the line up and Spirit Quartz, who like Kingsgate Native has a penalty for his group 2 win this season.
Abernant winner Tickled Pink is another trying five furlongs for the first time for Lady Cecil. I'm letting my heart rule my head, but this could be the race Mince bounces back in.
Another open race at Sandown is the Challenge, a big field handicap over a mile. Andrew Balding's Roserrow can run well here. He has won his last two starts and they were both over this course and distance and he is versatile ground wise. He had the option of running in the Royal Hunt Cup, but was targeted at this race instead. Let's hope connections are rewarded.
My only concern is the wide draw, but hopefully he can ping the gates and get to the front early as he likes to race handily. He is a tough, progressive horse with one of the strongest jockeys riding on board in Jimmy Fortune and he'll do for me.
Haydock
The Lancashire Oaks is the feature at Haydock and it could be a good day for trainer John Gosden who will hopefully have a winner at Sandown with The Fugue. He has Gallipot and Wannabe Loved in this mile-and-a-half Group 3 with the former the first string.
Although the trainer has a good record in this race these two fillies wouldn't appear to be as good as former winners Gertrude Bell and Great Heavens but they should acquit themselves well in this eight-runner field.
I think it's interesting that Kieren Fallon was keen to come to Haydock to ride Banoffee. I like this filly, she won the Cheshire Oaks showing a decent turn of foot and then finished seventh in the Oaks. You can certainly forgive any horse a moderate run at Epsom as it's an unconventional track whose cambers don't suit every horse and back on a conventional track she could go well. Whether it was the track or the occasion that did for her at Epsom, it wasn't her running and she can bounce back here.
Staying in Lancashire and the Old Newton Cup is the big handicap on Haydock's card and Fallon teams up with his old ally Sir Michael Stoute with joint top weight Opinion. This horse has been raised 8lbs for his win in the Duke of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot last time out, but that was only his second start of the season and his first with a tongue tie and I think there could be more to come, he is certainly a dangerous horse to discount.
In the immediate aftermath of his Ascot win connections said the Ebor would be considered and even possibly a trip to Melbourne for the Cup, in which case given some luck he is a major player here. In all honesty he looks the class act in this race and although he is favourite in a hot handicap, I can't get away from his chance.
Owner Dr. Marwan Koukash loves winners at his local track and he has three in this with Haylaman looking the pick of them for trainer David Simcock. He is more exposed than the selection though and although may not be too badly treated I'm with Opinion to continue his progression.
It's also worth bearing in mind that Opinion is one of the horses Sir Michael chose to gallop with Telescope at Lingfield before the Derby. He galloped all over the disappointing classic hope in an eye-catching manner on that day, albeit he was well held in the closing stages. He clearly has plenty of ability.
Selections
The Fugue in the Eclipse @ 4/1 with Sky Bet
Mince in the Charge @ 7/1 with Sky Bet
Roserrow in the Challenge
Banoffee in the Lancashire Oaks
Opinion in the Old Newton Cup @ 7/2 with Sky Bet
