Horse Racing
Value Scope: Each way horseracing tips from Steve Jones for Saturday on ITV
While it is Eclipse Day at Sandown, our man has a couple of suggestions in the two big handicaps at Haydock Park and a Listed race at Sandown
Grab yourself some Sheer, bridled joy in the bet365 Old Newton Cup.
SHEER ROCKS (3.15) was beaten just a length and a half when fifth in this prestigious Haydock handicap last year.
That creditable effort came off the back of a defeat of Caius Chorister – runner-up in two Group 3 races this year – at Epsom on Derby day.
Eve Johnson Houghton’s hope wasn’t seen again until finishing in midfield in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot two weeks ago.
That was a promising return to action as he ran into traffic problems early in the straight before staying on in the closing stages.
He should be a good deal sharper with that run behind him. Have 1pt each-way at 14-1. Most bookies are paying out on five places. Sky Bet is stretching to six.
Earlier on the card, TRYFAN (2.05) looks to have a decent chance.
His trainer Brian Ellison landed last week’s Northumberland Plate and he looks to have another progressive stayer on his hands with this unexposed three-year-old.
He always looked likely to improve on his three novices runs when he switched to handicaps.
That certainly was the case when he registered his first win in a small-field all-weather contest at Newcastle last week.
The way he ground out victory up the stiff finish suggested he is going to love the extra quarter of a mile of today’s contest.
There’s every chance he’s well handicapped. Have 1pt each-way at 14-1. Most bookies are going four places with Sky Bet offering five.
Derby hero City Of Troy looks to have Sandown’s Coral-Eclipse stitched up but, elsewhere on the card, BOLSENA (3.00) looks a good bet.
She has run well at this Listed level on both her starts since landing a Newmarket handicap in good style in April.
The form of her neck second behind Lava Stream over 1m2f at Goodwood last month got a real boost when the winner went on to go close in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Her earlier third in a York Listed race is also good form in the context of this race.
The return to a mile on this track should be ideal. Have 1pt each-way at 12-1.