Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GEORGE BEST
Hannon’s star up to the Challenge at Sandown
GEORGE WILLIAM can put a Royal Ascot no-show behind him to lift the Coral Challenge Handicap (2.25) at Sandown.
Richard Hannon’s four-year-old was sent off a 12-1 chance for the Royal Hunt Cup 17 days ago, but his draw in stall one – all the action was down the stands’ side – completely did for his chance.
Sean Levey’s mount returned 22nd of 29 behind Shui Feng, but my selection is better judged on his previous run, when second to Fastnet Tempest in Ascot’s Victoria Cup.
George William didn’t get the breaks before finishing strongly to be beaten three-quarters of a length and looks capable of landing a big Saturday prize off his current mark.
looks set to go off at double-figure odds for the Group 3 Coral Charge (1.50), but he shouldn’t be underestimated. Granted, the Paul Midgley speedball steps up in class after winning big-money handicaps – Musselburgh’s Scottish Sprint Cup and the Gosford Park Cup at Newcastle – on his last two outings.
His rating of 104 still leaves him with progress to find with the market leaders, but Line
Of Reason is on a roll and his berth in stall three is a big advantage on
Sandown’s fivefurlong course.
James Doyle, who takes the ride on the fancied Barney Roy in the featured Coral-eclipse, has a strong chance of landing the Listed Coral Distaff (3.00) aboard A fourth to Con Te Partiro in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot represented another personal best from the daughter of Harbour Watch and there could yet be more to come.
At Haydock, (left), so impressive when taking the Listed Pontefract Castle Stakes by 10 lengths 13 days ago, looks a solid favourite for the Group 2 bet365 Lancashire Oaks (2.40). After a luckless run at Epsom on Oaks day, gets the nod to make amends in the bet365 Old Newton Cup (3.15). Haydock’s opening bet365 Handicap (2.05) represents a good opportunity for to follow up a convincing maiden score at Doncaster last time out.