Time to Reach For The Moon

GOOD BET: FORMER DERBY FANCY STANDS OUT IN LISTED RACE AT SANDOWN

Valsad has big winning chance in Race 2 at Lingfield.

One-time Derby hope Reach For The Moon is difficult to oppose on his belated return to action in the Coral Heron Stakes at Sandown today. The Sea The Stars colt looked like making up into a serious contender for the premier Classic after a hugely impressive display in the Solario Stakes at this venue last summer.

He suffered a surprise defeat in the Champagne Stakes at the hands of Bayside Boy, but given the winner went on to be placed in two Group 1s, there was no disgrace in that effort.

A subsequent injury led to Reach For The Moon missing the rest of his juvenile campaign, but hopes remained high that he could give the Queen a serious chance of winning the Derby in the year she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee.

But connections ultimately conceded defeat in their race against time to have him ready to run in a Derby trial and he instead reappears in this 1600m Listed contest. John Gosden, who now trains in partnership with son Thady, has saddled the last three winners of this race in Without Parole, King Of Comedy and Mostahdaf, all of whom went on to run at Royal Ascot.

While the trip could be a shade on the short side, Reach For The Moon is a class act in this field and he should make a successful return ahead of a likely appearance at next month’s showpiece meeting.

Deciduous is expected to give weight and a beating to his rivals in the Coral “Beaten-By-ALength” Free Bet Handicap.

A debut winner at Wolverhampton, the son of Dubawi looked to lack a gear on his second start at Kempton and moved into handicap company on his first start on turf at Leicester last month.

Stepping back up to 2400m, Charlie Appleby’s inmate was good value for the winning margin of 0.75 lengths and he looks capable of defying a 2.5kg hike, with an extra 400m likely to bring out more improvement.

Broadspear looks the one to be on in the Coral Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap.

The Roger Varian-trained colt looked a winner in waiting when shaping with abundant promise to finish second on his introduction at Salisbury and was favourite for the Convivial Maiden at York as a result.

He could finish only seventh on the Knavesmire and suffered a short-priced defeat on his return from a lengthy absence at Thirsk, where he got rolling late on but the line came too soon.

The third home in that race has won since, though, and Broadspear is sure to be sharper for the outing.

Going up to 2000m for the first time for his handicap bow looks the right call and he can reward those who keep the faith.

Greatgadian can make it backto-back wins at Chelmsford in the 2000m Betsi Handicap.

While a decent sort at two and three, the son of Siyouni produced a career-best performance on his four-year-old debut here three weeks ago – his first start since being gelded.

A 3kg hike does not insurmountable based on that authoritative display.

Valsad must have every chance in the 10th Barry Gurr Memorial Novice Stakes at Lingfield.

The three-year-old has finished second twice from three starts for the in-form training team of Harry and Roger Charlton, most recently pushing Chairman close at Salisbury.

That was a good effort considering he missed the break while the winner got the run of things out in front and he can go one better on the all-weather.

Wolverhampton punters should side with the hat-trick seeking El Bello in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap, while Ask Paddington rates the best bet over jumps at Market Rasen.

The eight-year-old was only beaten 0.50 lengths at Hexham last time out and the Victor Lucas Memorial Handicap Hurdle represents a good opportunity to bag a first win since joining Rebecca Menzies. –