Templegate’s Saturday NAP: Promising Debut Stayer Ready to Leverage Handicap Rating
TEMPLEGATE is gearing up for the races scheduled this Saturday, notably featuring the esteemed Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, which will be broadcast live on ITV1 at 3:35 PM. The anticipation is high to outsmart the bookmakers.
Click on the odds below to place your bets on a horse.
VALIANCY (2:05 Haydock, nap)
This Cracksman gelding, trained by William Haggas, is in excellent form. He narrowly missed out here over 1m4f in May but showcased his abilities at Hamilton. He looks poised to be a strong stayer, likely to thrive with the increased distance on good ground. His favorable opening mark positions him as a strong contender in his handicap debut.
GREEK ORDER (2:25 Sandown, nb)
This horse demonstrated his potential when finishing fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, closing in strongly behind the impressive My Cloud, suggesting he can perform at Group level even in a handicap. This was his first outing for Michael Bell after a stint in the US, reaffirming his credentials. The demanding mile at Sandown should suit him, especially with Ryan Moore on board.
SIR LOWRY’S PASS (3:15 Haydock, treble)
He still has room for improvement at this distance after a commendable win at Goodwood and an unfortunate outing at Redcar. Stepping up to this distance could bring about positive results.
Templegate’s insights for television
SANDOWN
1:50
SHE’S QUALITY is proving herself after two commendable performances in Group sprints this season.
She finished closely behind Rumstar in the Palace House at HQ and was just half a length shy in the Temple Stakes.
Tactically versatile, she handles various ground conditions well, and the tough 5f distance here may favor her strengths. She’s primed to compete at this level and is deserving of attention.
Kerdos encountered difficulties while loose before the King Charles III at Royal Ascot but still performed admirably, finishing as the top horse from the far-side group, missing out by only two lengths.
The reduction in grade should see him challenge closely. Rumstar triumphed against the tip in the Palace House but has faced tough draws in his last two runs.
He’s experienced in this class and should not be taken lightly.
Balmoral Lady is a rising star from Ed Walker’s yard, securing a Listed victory at Haydock in May and surpassing expectations at Ascot. She’s another strong competitor.
West Acre didn’t have the best outing at the Royal meeting but enjoys this distance, while Adrestia clinched a competitive Ascot handicap last time and holds his own in this class.
2:25
GREEK ORDER has established himself as a key competitor with his fourth-place finish in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, making a robust charge behind impressive winner My Cloud, signaling his capability as a Group-class horse in a handicap.
This was his debut under Michael Bell after returning from the US, affirming that he still possesses his skills.
The challenging mile at Sandown should fit him perfectly, and the inclusion of Ryan Moore carries significant weight.
Treasure Time is another formidable threat. His absence since last September hasn’t diminished his prowess, as he won twice last season under the strong William Haggas yard.
He stays well, travels smoothly, and has previously won fresh – this track might unlock even more potential.
Classic Encounter is on the rise, coming here off a determined win at York. Not the flashiest horse, he’s sturdy and progressing well.
Classic has been strong at Sandown, having previously finished second in a tactical race here. A repeat performance would place him in contention.
Arisaig could be a standout at longer odds, having been hindered by a poor draw at Royal Ascot last time out.
3:00
SUPERMODEL is well-prepped for William Haggas.
Bred for middle distances, she also demonstrated impressive speed over shorter distances with two strong wins in her early career.
She cruised through a Nottingham handicap upon her return, pulling away comfortably and likely had more left in the tank.
The demanding mile at Sandown, coupled with an anticipated brisk pace, suits her perfectly, and she has ample scope for progression.
Miss Tonnerre is a serious competitor, having finished behind top-class fillies in her juvenile season, including in the Group 2 May Hill at Donny. Her pedigree suggests she’ll thrive as a three-year-old.
She stands to benefit significantly from her return in the Musidora last month and fits well for a drop in trip.
Blue Bolt is attracting considerable market interest, having won her last two races convincingly.
She’s undeniably talented but faces stiffer competition here and seems somewhat short in the betting market.
Cajole, with Ryan Moore riding for the Gosdens, showcased marked improvements with her second-place finish in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot.
Not having gotten a smooth run there makes her performance all the more commendable, and she seems capable of rising to this standard.
Victory Queen is also progressing well and holds robust place claims.
3:35
OMBUDSMAN may present short odds, but he’s a formidable challenger in the Coral-Eclipse.
This powerhouse from the Gosden crew has built a strong reputation as a Group 1 contender at Royal Ascot, powering through late to claim the Prince of Wales’s Stakes impressively.
Although he encountered some crowding at a crucial stage, he accelerated gangbusters once clear, easily overcoming his rivals.
He’s shown tremendous potential throughout the year, and this could be his moment to shine.
The only potential obstacle could be a chaotic race in this small field.
With no clear pace-setter, a slow race might not play to his favor, yet William Buick has diverse strategies at his disposal.
Ombudsman is strong at 1m2f, with an explosive turn of foot, and performs well on any surface.
The French challenger Sosie appears ready to take him on.
Andre Fabre’s star has captured two Group 1 victories this season at Longchamp, the Prix Ganay and the Prix d’Ispahan, demonstrating a mix of class and stamina.
Most French races are run at a controlled pace, which could benefit his style.
Delacroix displayed all his talent this spring with wins in the Ballysax and Leopardstown Trial but faltered in the Derby.
That outing can be excused as he faced an early setback; he isn’t the first Ballydoyle candidate to bounce back from Derby disappointment at this high level.
Ryan Moore continues his association with Camille Pissarro, with whom he won the French Derby easily last time.
He’s not to be underestimated, though he’ll be faced with stronger competition and needs to elevate his performance against older rivals.
Ruling Court poses an intriguing option; the 2,000 Guineas victor faced challenges in the St James’s Palace, but few from Charlie Appleby’s yard found success at Royal Ascot.
This distance should suit him, and fast ground aligns with his strengths.
Oisin Murphy is likely to elicit the best from him.
Jessica Harrington’s entries consistently offer a tough challenge, and Hotazhell has showed potential with a third-place finish in the Irish Guineas.
Another who should thrive at this distance, despite the appealing 33-1 odds, he’ll need to make a significant leap to contend.
HAYDOCK
2:05
VALIANCY is the horse to keep an eye on for William Haggas.
This Cracksman gelding is in stellar form, having narrowly missed out here over 1m4f in May, followed by a dominant performance at Hamilton.
He appears to be a strong stayer and should appreciate the added distance on good ground.
A competitive opening mark presents him with an exceptional chance in his handicap debut.
Deep Water Bay is improving as well, with two wins in his last three outings for Sir Mark Prescott.
He’s thrived since progressing to handicaps and stepping up in distance, although returning to turf after a win at Chelmsford poses its own challenges.
Many Men previously defeated Novelista at Doncaster, but the latter now benefits from a weight advantage and seems a solid each-way chance.
Way Of Stars won convincingly at Goodwood and is gaining momentum in handicaps, while Ammes performed commendably in the King George V at Royal Ascot and stays well. Both remain in the mix for placing.
2:40
With only four runners, this race could turn into a sprint favoring SCENIC.
Ed Walker’s mare is proven, coming off a gritty win in the Bronte Cup at York, where she fought hard to prevail over 1m6f.
This form looks strong, and as a two-time Listed victor, she stays well and thrives on quick ground.
Estrange dramatically outshone her rivals in the Pinnacle here last month, defeating Shaha by more than four lengths.
She knows this trip well and might be maturing into a Group 1 contender.
However, all her wins have come in high-paced races, and a slow pace might hinder her in the closing stages.
Love Talk could set the early pace but is rated significantly lower against this class, while Nuit is a maiden stepping up from Listed level with formidable challenges ahead.
Nevertheless, there’s a £13,450 prize for third, which remains an attractive proposition.
3:15
SIR LOWRY’S PASS exhibits exceptional promise for the Old Newton Cup (3:15 Haydock).
Ed Walker’s rising star has more to give at this distance and is capable of surpassing Chillingham and City Of Delight.
Here’s your race guide:
ENEMY 1
OH My. Once a Group performer but currently struggling. Drops to handicap but is tricky to back due to significant weight.
STRESSFREE 3
NO Stress. Won here in May but had no chance at Ascot from the back. Stays well, and the track suits. An each-way chance.
CHILLINGHAM 4
HOT Chill. Secured the York race in the stewards’ room after a close second. The visor aided his focus and he stays well. A serious threat if he remains concentrated.
SIR LOWRY’S PASS 5
PASS master. An improving runner for an in-form stable. A strong win at Goodwood followed by a mishap at Redcar. Likely to stay well with more to offer now.
PLAGE DE HAVRE 3
HAV a look. Stays well on any ground. Can be unruly early but has the potential to close the gap when in form.
CITY OF DELIGHT 4
ANGEL Delight. Claimed six wins in the last eight races, only beaten by pace last time. Ahead of the handicapper. A serious contender.
GREAT BEDWYN 3
GREAT shout. Won on return at York but faced misfortune at Epsom. Stays well and is lightly raced this year. Likely to contend for a place.
SOL CAYO 3
CAYO go. A front-runner in great form after three wins. Facing a significant class leap but confidence is high. Could be close if he sets the pace.
BOX TO BOX 2
BOXED in. Recently won over a shorter distance here, but the distance increase raises concerns. This tougher race and a wide draw off a higher mark present challenges.
MY DREAM WORLD 3
DREAM on. An improving 4yo with stamina. The track suits, and he could contend following a solid run at York.
MINSTREL KNIGHT 3
MIN the hunt. Strong comeback hints at stamina. Would benefit from some rain but is still in the competition.
NIGHT BREEZE 2
BREEZE blows. Still 6lb higher than at Ascot, had a tough outing at Epsom last time. Needs to step up.
PADDY THE SQUIRE 3
PADDY not baddy. Most suitable for 1m2f but appears reasonably rated and holds place claims if he finishes strongly.
HUMBLE SPARK 2
NO Spark. Best efforts are on AW and excels over longer distances. Likely to be outpaced.
MIDNIGHT LION 2
LION barred. Solid performance over further at Newcastle last week but prefers running on sand.
SPORTINGSILVERMINE 2
DEEP Mine. Still relatively untested over this trip, but recent performances have been lacking, requiring improvement.
Templegate’s tips
FREE BETS – DISCOVER THE BEST SIGN-UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Engaging with any of the highlighted offers in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. Brands pay fees for prominent placement on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Please remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets limits on time and finances before wagering
- Only bets with money they can afford to lose
- Avoids chasing losses
- Does not gamble when feeling upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Explore our comprehensive guide on responsible gambling practices here.
