Sandown’s Coral-Eclipse card brings top-class action with a mix of Group races and competitive handicaps across the afternoon. Using our proven race breakdown method and July flat trends, we’ve identified the most solid betting opportunities. Below you’ll find our most confident picks for Saturday — backed by in-depth analysis and tactical insights.
1m Coral Challenge (Handicap) (Class 2, 3yo+) 2:25 – Sandown, Good to Firm, Stalls Inside
🏇 Main Selection: Classic Encounter 13/2 (1pt e/w 4 places)
(Trainer: George Boughey / Jockey: Billy Loughnane)
Classic Encounter ticks multiple boxes from our tactical notebook and looks the standout option in this competitive Class 2 handicap.
- He’s a progressive 4yo with strong and consistent form figures (3-1-2-3-1), arriving in peak condition.
- Drawn in stall 5, he’s well placed to take advantage of Inside stalls on Good to Firm ground – crucial at Sandown for tactical positioning.
- Carries a workable mark of 87 and is unexposed compared to older rivals carrying similar weights.
- His Topspeed (104) and RPR (112) figures are among the best in the field, reinforcing confidence in his profile.
- The George Boughey yard continues in good form, and Billy Loughnane is an asset in these scenarios.
With exposed runners like Hi Royal, Tarkhan or Galeron looking vulnerable off high marks, Classic Encounter brings the right mix of momentum, positioning and improvement. A strong selection to kick off the day. 💪🔥
1m2f Coral-Eclipse (Group 1, Class 1, 3yo+) 3:35 – Sandown, Good to Firm, Stalls Inside
🏇 Main Selection: Ombudsman 1/1 (2pt win)
(Trainer: John & Thady Gosden / Jockey: William Buick)
Ombudsman stands out as the most complete and reliable contender in this year’s Coral-Eclipse, combining elite-level form, course suitability, and tactical positioning.
- Proven Group 1 performer with a stellar record: 5 wins from 6 starts, and his only defeat came with excuses.
- Boasts the highest official rating (OR 128) in the field and the top Racing Post Rating (135) – clear evidence of top-tier ability.
- Drawn in stall 5 on a day where Inside stalls on Good to Firm ground are favourable for stalking or controlling the pace.
- Represents the Gosden/Buick partnership, which excels in big Saturday features at Sandown.
- His recent win showed tactical adaptability and acceleration on firm ground, a major asset in this small but classy field.
While the Irish trio and Fabre’s Sosie are talented, Ombudsman brings the perfect blend of class, proven record, and race setup. He is the one they all have to beat. 🏆💼
7f Coral Celebrating 50 Year Eclipse Sponsorship Handicap (Class 3, 3yo 0-90) 4:12 – Sandown, Good to Firm, Stalls Inside
🏇 Main Selection: City Of Poets 9/4 (2pt win)
(Trainer: James Tate / Jockey: Ryan Moore)
City Of Poets is a progressive 3-year-old who ticks several key boxes for this 7f handicap at Sandown:
- Comes here on a hat-trick, having won two competitive novice events in strong style. His RPRs of 92 and 97 show clear progression.
- Trained by James Tate and now ridden by Ryan Moore, a notable jockey upgrade that signals intent.
- Drawn in stall 6, which offers tactical flexibility on Good to Firm ground with stalls Inside, favouring horses who can travel prominently.
- His previous wins showed speed and positioning, ideal for this track and distance.
- With an OR of 86, he’s unexposed compared to more exposed rivals like Defence Minister or Cartwheel.
City Of Poets looks to be well-treated on handicap debut, and with further improvement likely, he can take another step forward here. 📈🎯
1m2f Coral “Pipped-At-The-Post” And Win Handicap (Class 4, 3yo 0-80) 4:45 – Sandown, Good to Firm, Stalls Inside
🏇 Main Selection: Yabher 4/1 (1pt e/w 4 places)
(Trainer: William Haggas / Jockey: Tom Marquand)
Yabher shapes as the most compelling option in this competitive 3yo handicap over 1m2f:
- Trained by William Haggas, who excels with 3-year-old handicappers stepping up to middle distances.
- Produced a career-best RPR of 92 last time out at Doncaster (1m2f, Good), finishing a strong second in a tougher race than this.
- Well-drawn in stall 10, which is manageable over this trip at Sandown given his strong travelling style.
- Carries top weight with authority, off an OR of 81, but is proven at the distance and ground.
- Form figures (5-892) hide a steady progression and a big run seems imminent now that he’s fully fit and in rhythm.
With ideal conditions and a top team behind him, Yabher looks ready to win a race of this nature. 🟢💪
1m2f Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap (Class 2, 3yo+ 0-105) 5:15 – Sandown, Good to Firm, Stalls Inside
🏇 Main Selection: Best Adventure 3/1 (1.5pt win)
(Trainer: Andrew Balding / Jockey: Joe Fanning)
Best Adventure is an improving 3-year-old who fits several of our key criteria for handicaps over 1m2f:
- Comes here in superb form, having won 2 of his last 3 starts – including over course and distance (CD) just 22 days ago.
- Carries just 8-2 (lowest in the field), giving him a major advantage against exposed older rivals.
- From the Andrew Balding yard, which does well with progressive types in mid-summer handicaps.
- Rated OR 87, which still looks workable given his upward trajectory and the strength of his finishing efforts.
- Tactical speed and a good inside draw (stall 6) will allow him to track the pace and strike late.
In a field where many look past their peak or inconsistent, Best Adventure stands out as the unexposed improver with the right conditions to go in again. 📈🏆
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you’re following today’s action at Sandown, make sure to read our complete betting guide to Sandown Park for tactical insights and racecourse trends that could give you an edge on Coral Eclipse Day.
And if you’re specifically interested in the feature race, don’t miss our runner-by-runner preview of the 2025 Coral Eclipse to understand each contender’s profile before placing your bets.
Leave a Reply