Bay can show the way
TAKE BAY BRIDGE (3.35, NAP) to rise to the challenge in an absorbing renewal of Sandown’s Coral-Eclipse this afternoon.
The only horse not to boast a Group One on his record locks horns with French ace Vadeni and Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Native Trail.
Last year’s third Mishriff is the highest-rated of the sextet, but the selection tops the list for untapped potential – his smooth five-length Brigadier Gerard success over course and distance is hard to get away from.
The runner-up took the same position in the Hardwicke and the fourth won the Wolferton at Royal Ascot, where Bay Bridge bumped into the tough-as-teak State Of Rest.
A canny ride from the front by Shane Crosse, quickening the pace, meant Ryan Moore had to get after the favourite earlier than ideal.
Easier ground will help and he can outstay the three-year-olds by arriving late on the scene.
Moore is fancied to bag a double riding GRANDE DAME (3.00) in the Listed Coral Distaff.
John Gosden’s filly is in calmer waters than the Coronation Stakes and tactically she may be suited to this more than Heredia.
RAASEL (1.50) is improving at a rate of knots ahead of the Group Three Coral Charge with the fast five ideal for his running style.
Coral Challenge pick LION TOWER (2.25, trb) appears to thrive on confidence.
Four times a winner in 2021, he ran a number of other good races, picking up where he left off at the turn of the new campaign.
GAASSEE’S (3.15, nb) 7lb rise for his York win should not halt William Haggas’ colt in Haydock’s bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap.
A back-to-form ESHAADA (2.40) will be a tough opponent for her Group Two bet365 Lancashire Oaks rivals, with the ground turning in her favour.
SPEYCASTER (2.05) can really thrive in the mud over the 1m 6f trip of the bet365 Handicap.