/ Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

1m 2f 7yd Handicap. Windsor, Sunday, 15.35

This three-year-old handicap is arguably the most interesting race domestically on Sunday with several progressive sorts involved and you are probably wasting your time if you look beyond winning form last time out.

Sir Michael Stoute knows what is necessary to win the race having done so two years ago with Front Stage.

This time he saddles Winter Sunshine who boasts an almost identical profile to his successful stable companion - he comes here on the back of a maiden win (Sandown compared to Lingfield) and runs off the same mark of 87.

Winter Sunshine did really well to win on his debut in that Sandown maiden, battling on grimly to hold off Spring City and Black Rock, who then filled the first two places in another Sandown maiden.

It will be fascinating to see how the market pans out but Winter Sunshine probably doesn't warrant being favourite and if he is, the lay button could be the option.

Greek Envoy's form stacks up well and he looks cast-iron for a place at least. He didn't appear fancied (SP 16-1) on his seasonal return at Leicester, but he held off the late challenge of Mad Rush. The pair came six lengths clear of previous four-length maiden scorer Fretwork and the runner-up has franked the form by being nailed only on the line in this week's Bibury Cup.

Smokey Oakey, part-owned by actress Dame Judi Dench, landed a gamble at Newmarket last time and earned rave notices. He travelled on the bridle and then quickened past long-time leader Eradicate, who, along with the third, Ladies Best, subsequently ran really well in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot.

Trainer George Margarson has long been singing Northern Jem's praises from the rooftops and the son of Mark Of Esteem eventually came good in a Ripon maiden. He settled that race with a dazzling turn of foot, only to spoil the effect by hanging wildly left.

Gremlin's tall reputation at Alan King's Barbury Castle stables has meant he has started as one of the market leaders in all seven of his starts, but only once has he got his head in front.

Three times in the space of a furlong at Newbury last time did Jamie Spencer look behind him for dangers on the cantering Gremlin, but it was the one in front (Mujahaz) that he could not get past.

If backed again he could again prove a layer's delight - perhaps in-play - in this tough contest.

Eagle in full flight

1m 4f Budweiser Irish Derby. The Curragh, Sunday, 15.50

Kieren Fallon has ridden Eagle Mountain just twice and won on him on both occasions so supporters of the odds-on favourite in the Budweiser Irish Derby will be delighted he is back on board on Sunday.

First impressions, though, are that Eagle Mountain should be a lay at odds-on. That sort of price is usually the province of Epsom heroes coming on to the Curragh for a lap of honour, not a horse beaten there by five lengths, nor one who has lost his last three races.

Layers will be hoping something comes out of the pack to bail them out, but nominating one is not obvious.

Boscobel quickened up smartly from the front to hold off Derby fourth Lucarno in the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot. On paper, that shouldn't be enough to trouble Eagle Mountain.

Soldier of Fortune finished three places behind his stable companion Eagle Mountain at Epsom, when lack of stamina seemed an issue. He proved one paced when looking to challenge and then faded in the closing stages.

Shamdinan could be the place alternative. He stepped up enormously on his previous form when third to Lawman in the French Derby. The slow gallop set by the winner didn't suit hold-up horse Shamdinan, whose finishing position of third does not flatter him.

Royal And Regal represents a master trainer, whose runners always have to be taken seriously, but the bare bones of his form suggest he shouldn't be up to the task. Anton Chekove was runner-up to him at Longchamp May, but could finish only 12th in the Derby while Ashkazar, a short neck behind him on his latest run, was a well-beaten sixth to Boscobel in the 'Ascot Derby'.

Bred by Willie Carson, Al Shemali, already outclassed in the 2000 Guineas and the Dante, would have won the Hampton Stakes at Royal Ascot in another few strides. The step up to 1m4f from 1m2f should be in his favour.

Prince Erik will need more than the guts and determination of his successful, hurdling half-brother Katchit to get involved.

When he eventually got out of pocket, Alexander of Hales caught his stable companion Spanish Harlem readily at the Curragh in May to win Gallinule, only to then run a listless race in the French Derby.

Authorized's trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam relies on Striving Storm, who is overpriced and a possible for the place market. He tried to make all the running in the Classic Trial at Sandown, only being run down by Regime, but outstaying Asperity, who has won a French Group 3 since.

Spitfire ready for battle

6f Auction Stakes. Salisbury, Sunday, 16.30

Don't be fooled by the Auction Stakes (16.30) title, this six-furlong race boasts a valuable prize and has proved a stepping stone for two of the last four Dewhurst Stakes winners, Milk It Mick and Sir Percy. The latter, of course, went on to even greater notoriety.

The much lesser-known Rainbow Mirage won it last year for Ed McMahon, who is represented by Supermassive Muse.

This son of Captain Rio won at Bath but only after being the first under pressure. He responded well, however, and hung on grimly, but still looks more of a lay than a bet.

John Jenkins is not known for his two-year-olds but he has an above-average one in Spitfire and it is no surprise that Kerrin McEvoy wants to renew acquaintance after winning at Yarmouth without recourse to the whip. The subsequent success of well-beaten runner-up Jebel Tara gives the form a solid look.

Unlike, Jenkins, Richard Hannon is predominantly known as a trainer of juveniles and the fact that he chooses Blues Minor to represent his big team is significant.

This one wasn't beaten far on his Sandown debut - a good sign since two-year-olds from Hannon inevitably come on for the run - and he tried to challenge up the unfavoured outside.

In-play punters should note that Sofia's Star found an emphatic response the whip to go clear of her field at Goodwood.

One definitely to be interested in is Bazguy, who has improved with all three races. He had the run of the race up front at Windsor last time, battling on grimly to see off his fellow pacemakers but was then collared, having led inside the final furlong.

The fact that first and fourth from Windsor have both franked the form makes Bazguy's price look big in the three disciplines - win, place or back-to-lay.