Sport

John Gosden's Golden boy to Eclipse rivals at Sandown

GOLDEN Horn dominates the racing news this weekend, and he really ought to deliver in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown this afternoon.

John Gosden’s Derby hero might not have it all his own way in Esher as The Grey Gatsby is a worthy foe indeed.

It could also turn into a tactical affair as just five horses have been declared.

That said, Golden Horn looked a class apart at Epsom, with runner-up Jack Hobbs having since claimed the Irish equivalent, and is, crucially, in receipt of a big slab of weight from his four rivals.

It could be a seismic upset if Frankie Dettori’s companion falls short.

The Coral Charge earlier on the card will be fast and furious, with Wind Fire taken to shine.

David Brown’s filly was disappointing in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, but, before that, she had been doing pretty well in good company.

Her close-up third in the Temple Stakes at Haydock in May puts her bang in the frame for this Group Three sprint, in which she finished fourth 12 months ago.

Wind Fire is already a winner at Sandown, so punters can be safe in the knowledge the track plays to her considerable strengths.

Just as important is the fact she absolutely adores competing on fast ground, which might not suit likely favourite Mecca’s Angel.

Apterix scraped into Haydock’s bet365 Old Newton Cup by the skin of his teeth and he is the pick in the handicap feature.

Brian Ellison’s inmate races from the foot of the weights after a couple of withdrawals saw him promoted from second reserve into the field for the 12-furlong handicap.

Apterix will be having just his fifth start on the level here after being recruited from France as a jumps prospect, winning over hurdles a couple of times during the winter.

However, a switch to the Flat has really seem him come alive, with two wins in four starts, most recently in a competitive heat at York last month.

He was having just his second outing in handicap company that day and given the way he pulled half-a-length clear at the line with the minimum of fuss, he could still be ahead of his mark.

A 6lb hike does not appear all that harsh and following his slice of luck in making the race, Apterix can take full advantage of his good fortune.

IRISH NEWS YANKEE

Nap: Golden Horn

(3.45: Sandown)

Double: Wind Fire

(2.00: Sandown)

Treble: Apterix

(2.50: Haydock)

Yankee: Bondi Beach Boy

(3.00: Beverley)