7:05
Hansomis 4.60 in to 3.65
Buy On The Red 5.60 out to 6.80

7:35
Ask Frank 10.0 in to 8.80
Lucky Rave 3.85 out to 4.70

8:05
Lauras Lady 4.17 in to 3.10

8:35
Mount Hadley 5.20 out to 7.20
Major Magpie 10.50 in to 8.60

9:05
Island Chief 7.60 in to 4.40

9:35
Saxona 4.70 in to 3.20
Beauchamp Wonder 5.10 out to 6.60

Nottingham

6:20
Iguaca 3.88 out to 6.20
Classic Blue 10.50 in to 9.0

6:50
Spinight 3.65 in to 2.58
Abhainn 4.80 out to 8.80

7:20
Poppy Npenny 2.40 out to 2.86
Excelling 10.50 in to 8.40

7:50
Dannys Choice 1.68 out to 2.00
Il Forno 5.70 in to 3.70

8:20
Red Birr 6.40 out to 8.20

9:20
Kings Icon 14.0 in to 7.40
You've Been Mowed 5.70 out to 7.80

Bellewstown

5.30
De Valira 8.40 in to 4.90

6.00
Coliseum 5.60 in to 4.10

6.30
Medical Debenture 7.0 out to 9.0

7.00
Lonesome Maverick 6.80 in to 5.60

7.30
Older and Wiser 5.0 in to 4.10

Another winner who may struggle next time is Neo's Mate, who's win (at the tenth attempt) in a maiden at Catterick isn't easily explained, after showing so little for so long, adding weight to the belief that she might have been flattered in picking off the front runners.

Scrapper Smith showed only modest form for Ed Vaughan last season and was sold cheaply after his final start. Showed a bit of promise on his reappearance but couldn't build on it last time.

Lucky Buddha left previous form behind when beaten length into third behind Where's Reiley on an easy surface at Newcastle but failed to build on it last time. He may prove best at 5f.

Secret City was mainly consistent over five and six furlongs in 2008 but ran abysmally upped in trip on his reappearance. Slightly better effort last time and shorter trip will suit.

Blackwell Nation essentially went right way in 2008 (albeit at modest level) and hinted at a return to form at Navan last time. Stable among the winners of late and worthy of respect.

Bold Bomber looked limited in maidens last year and a non-stayer over one mile. More like it at Leicester last time and stable amongst the winners.

Fifer well held in maidens up to seven furlongs, including on reappearance for new yard. Plenty to prove on handicap debut.

Ba Globetrotter is effective from 5f to 10f but fact that he's still a maiden following nineteen starts tells its own story. He is usually worth taking on.

Lady Zena wasn't knocked about in maidens as a two-year-old and encouraging third in six furlong handicap on return. Didn't appreciate drop to five furlongs last time and may do better still.

Pedregal hasn't been disgraced in handicaps this term, particularly when third from a poor draw at Catterick in April. Usually takes plenty of driving but conditions no problem and respected.

Wee Bizzom finished runner-up at Southwell in January, but has shown precious little since and is hard to fancy here.

Pollish is a half-sister to a smart sprinter but has shown no solid form herself in nine attempts.

Chantilly

1:15 Prix du Bois
This is the first two-year-old Group race of the French calendar and a good performance here can be the prelude to an appearance in the Prix Robert Papin later in the month.

2:25 Prix Chloe
Once considered an important trial for the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, this Group Three mile no longer carries the same significance but it can occasionally throw up a notable filly.

3:00 Etihad Airways Prix Jean Prat
The race of the day, this event has been shuffled around the calendar over the years but there have been some good runnings since its reincarnation as a mid-season Group One. Karl Burke's improving colt Lord Shanakill is the sole British entry.

Wednesday July 8

Newmarket

2:00 totesport.com Stakes
A juicy Heritage Handicap to get your teeth into. This is an ultra-competitive cavalry charge over six furlongs with a big prize on offer.

2:35 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cherry Hinton Stakes
This Group contest for two-year-olds can be a very informative event and you can often spot a potential star amongst the field of impeccably bred fillies. The pick of the entries is probably the Albany Stakes winner Habaayib

3:10 Abu Dhabi Falmouth Stakes
A Group One race that seems to go from strength to strength and attracts some of the very best fillies and mares in the sport. Amongst a classy field, the most eye-catching entry is Breeders Cup Mile winner Goldikova.

Thursday July 9

Newmarket

1:30 Bahrain Trophy
Traditionally a St Leger trial, this thirteen furlong event for three-year-olds throws up its share of future Group race winners.

2:00 TNT July Stakes
Dating back two hundred years, this Group Three has a fine pedigree. Run over a galloping six furlongs, it usually attracts a packed field featuring some of the speedier two-year-olds.

2:35 Blue Square Heritage Handicap
Another Heritage Handicap, run over ten furlongs. Many of the well-bred three-year-olds on show will be capable of graduating to Pattern class in time.

3:10 Princess of Wales's Stakes
This Group Two run over a mile-an-a-half is a decent race and attracts some interesting runners from the top stables. Probably the best of the entries is Godolphin's Hardwicke Stakes runner up Campanologist.

Friday July 10

Newmarket

2:00 Meydan Superlative Stakes
Another quality Pattern contest for two-year-olds that sees a number of previous winners stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time. Ante-post Guineas players will be paying close attention.

2:35 Ladbrokes Bunbury Cup
Rivalling the July Cup for popularity, this is a grand old handicap charge up the galloping seven furlongs of the July course.

3:10 Darley July Cup
The highlight of meeting and one of Europe's top sprints. As well as the frenetic thrills of a top class sprint, it has the additional fascination of the younger sprinters taking on their elders. Golden Jubilee winner Art Connoisseur is likely to be popular in the market.

York

2:45 Cuisine de France Summer Stakes
A decent sized field is expected for this Group Three sprint confined to fillies and mares.

Saturday July 11

Ascot

1:50 totescoop6 Stakes
A tricky Heritage Handicap to challenge Saturday punters, this seven furlong event confined to three-year-olds is sure to feature some progressive and unexposed types.

2:50 totesport.com Summer Mile Stakes
A mile event for older horses that has been upgraded in recent years and it has proven hot for its grade, last year's renewal attracting a number of Group One horses.

Curragh

4:00 Keeneland Minstrel Stakes
A decent looking Group Three, this is a seven furlong event named after the legendary Irish horse.

4:30 Keeneland International Stakes
A Group Three contest over nine furlongs that is likely to be keenly contested despite the small field.

York

3:10 50th John Smith's Cup
Perhaps the best betting race of the day, this is a valuable ten furlong handicap in which it can often pay to dig out a progressive three-year-old. Keep your eye on the Betfair market throughout the week.

3:45 John Smith's Extra Smooth Silver Cup
Just one of a clutch of solid looking handicaps on the card, this is a Listed contest over a stamina-sapping fourteen furlongs.

2.05
Masta Plasta 15 in to 11.5
Total Gallery 22 in to 14
Judd Street 23 out to 44

2.40
Mirrored 4.3 out to 6.2
Alfathaa 10.5 in to 8
Huzzah 8 out to 11.5
Ace Of Hearts 17 out to 26
Extraterrestrial 27 in to 21

3.15
Sea The Stars 1.94 in to 1.6
Conduit 5.4 out to 7
Rip Van Winkle 4.8 out to 8
Cima De Triomphe 11 out to 19
Twice Over 30 in to 24

3.45
Strawberrydaiquiri 3 in to 2.18
Wadaat 4.8 out to 6.6

4.20
Judgethemoment 3.3 out to 4
Gravitation 3.8 out to 5.1
Desert Sea 10 in to 6.8
Amerigo 5.6 out to 7.4

4.55
Maswerte 3.3 out to 4.5

5.30
Raaeidd 3.3 out to 2.54
Senses 4.3 out to 5.3
Call It On 5 out to 7.6

Beverley

1.45
Go To Dubai 4.15 in to 2.92
Glen Lass 3.9 out to 5.1
She Knows It all 7.3 out to 14

2.15
Trinder 6 in to 5.2
Mister Hughie 13.5 in to 7

2.45
Sands Crooner 3.75 out to 5.4
Liberty Ship 12.5 in to 8

3.20
Burns Night 2.92 in to 2.42

3.55
Spiders Star 3.4 in to 2.8

Haydock

2.20
Thin Red Line 7.4 in to 6.2
Brunston 5.9 out to 7.2
Becausewecan 12 in to 9.4

2.55
High Heeled 2.7 out to 2.96
Flame Of Gibraltar 3.5 out to 3.9
Barshiba 27 in to 21

3.30
Falcativ 9.8 in to 8.2
Red Merlin 9.2 out to 10.5
Drill Sergeant 12 out to 17
Allied Powers 13 out to 17
Dansili Dancer 17.5 in to 15
Laterly 36 in to 25
Munsef 28 out to 38

4.05
Taqdeyr 6 in to 4.5
Excellerator 9 out to 11
Damika 12 out to 15.5

4.35
Zuzu 6.6 in to 5.4

5.10
Red Rosanna 15 in to 10

5.45
Gassin 3.6 out to 5.3
River Dee 10.5 in to 8.6

Leicester

2.30
Itsher 2.78 in to 2.3
Wotasparkler 6.8 in to 5.3

3.35
Whooshka 5.2 in to 4.4
Mejala 6.4 out to 7.4

5.20
Diapason 4.4 in to 2.5

Suggested Bets:
(with current Betfair win odds):
4 point win RAAEIDD [2.56]

Staking Plan Records:
(on £1 per point basis):
Yesterday: -4.00
This week: -10.12
All time: -15.17

VERDICT:
RAAEIDD is lightly raced but has already fared well in handicap company finishing a close-up third to Barwell Bridge in a competitive handicap at York. He remains a smart prospect and should add to Michael Jarvis's excellent recent form by winning the finale at Sandown on Saturday.

Twenty years ago, as a student, I was in awe of Nashwan who added the Coral Eclipse to his famous Derby and 2,000 Guineas wins. I backed John Oxx's classic hero earlier this week at odds of [2.1], which is a decent investment given his current price. I cannot see him being beaten, I think he will win by some way and cement his place in history as a true champion. Sea The Stars is a true banker bet with the form having been nicely franked by Fame and Glory at the Curragh.

The racing at Haydock and Sandown is first class and I will be having a few good bets today at both venues. Some days there are few decent bets to be struck, today there are plenty.

High Heeled in the Lancashire Oaks (Haydock 2.55) takes a significant drop in class following her third last time to Sariska in The Oaks at Epsom. 7/4 looks a great bet for a filly with plenty in hand on the form book.

Drill Sergeant (Haydock 3.30) looks a rock solid win and place bet in the Old Newton Cup. Mark Johnston has been racking up the winners and Drill Sergeant was a good winner at Royal Ascot last time. A tough and consistent type I am sure he will be there at the business end and should be supported in the both the win and place markets.

Triple Aspect (Sandown 2.05) is likely to be very popular in the five furlong charge, with good reason. Rated the best horse in the race the stable is in great form and this horse has won twice over course and distance, the last time in Listed grade. With a rating of 114, and still potentially improving, we may not have seen the best of this son of Danetime yet. I will be backing him to win.

I cannot wait for Sea the Stars, racing needs a real champion and I need a few quid!

Saturdays Best Bets...
2.05 Sandown - Triple Aspect - Win
2.55 Haydock - High Heeled - Win
3.15 Sandown - Sea The Stars - Win
3.30 Haydock - Drill Sergeant - Win and place

This filly by Acclamation showed vastly improved form in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot when finishing third to Scenic Blast at a huge price. Clearly a reproduction of that effort would see her go close in this decent race. At present she is trading at [5.9] on the exchange.

Racecourse: Haydock Park
First Race Time 2.20pm
Going Good to Firm, Good in Places
Other Information Dry overnight

Racecourse: Leicester
First Race Time 2.30pm
Going Good, Good to Firm in Places
Other Information Dry overnight. Chance of a shower later. Going stick is 7.9

Racecourse: Sandown Park
First Race Time 2.05pm
Going Good, Good to Firm in Places
Other Information Dry overnight

Racecourse: Carlisle
First Race Time 7.05pm
Going Good (Good to Firm on the stand side of the home straight)
Other Information 9 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. A dry & sunny day is forecast

Racecourse: Nottingham
First Race Time 6.20pm
Going Good, Good to Soft in Places
Other Information 20 mm of rain in the last 12 hours.

Suggested Bets:
(with current Betfair win odds):
2 point win and 2 point place TROPICAL BACHELOR [6.6]

Staking Plan Records:
(on £1 per point basis):
Yesterday: -4.00
This week: -6.12
All time: -11.17

VERDICT:
TROPICAL BACHELOR is so consistent but struggling for the wins. He was a fair course and distance runner-up last time and should again be placed at worst.

6:20
Graceful Descent 4.23 in to 3.40

7:25
Craicattack 6.0 out to 7.80

7:55
Handsome Falcon 6.25 in to 5.20
Lady Rangali 16.06 in to 6.40

8:30
Art Value 8.90 in to 7.0

9:00
Only A Game 9.53 in to 7.60

Haydock

6:40
Jilly Why 4.75 out to 5.60
Red Rosanna 6.20 in to 5.40

7:10
Black Snowflake 2.20 out to 2.66
Gunner Lindley 4.67 in to 3.20

7:45
Bluie 3.13 out to 3.70
Almuntaser 2.43 out to 5.10

8:15
Classic Legend 7.12 in to 5.30

9:20
Bollin Judith 5.05 in to 3.70
Golden Games 6.23 in to 4.80

Salisbury

6:30
Go Forth North 5.10 in to 3.70
Giulietta Da Vinci 16.0 in to 10.0
Gobama 21.0 in to 14.0

7:00
Dressed to Dance 6.50 in to 5.50

7:35
Cill Rialaig 4.13 in to 3.35

8:05
Janeiro 4.10 out to 5.50
Anjomarba 4.30 out to 5.60

8:40
Sister Clement 9.60 in to 5.50
Kuanyao 15.10 in to 5.70

9:10
Saharan Royal 9.05 in to 5.20

Bellewstown

5:45
Marcus Galerius 6.40 in to 4.70

7:15
Mt Weather 10.50 in to 7.40

7:50
Palazzone 6.0 in to 4.90

8:20
Dancera 4.60 out to 6.20

Wexford

5:25
Alazan 8.0 in to 6.60
Spirit Watch 4.60 in to 3.90

5:55
Document 10.0 in to 5.70

6:25
The Chip Chopman 8.0 out to 9.40

6:55
Maucaillou 5.0 in to 4.20

8:30
Diaconescu 3.05 out to 7.0
Easyfix 14.50 in to 6.80

Conduit was highly progressive in 2008, winning the St Leger and Breeders' Cup Turf. He was narrowly denied in slowly-run Group Three here on his return and a strong gallop is essential at this trip, to help him show his true colours.

Lang Shining won the Spring Cup at Newbury in 2008, but looks out of his depth and is clearly here to ensure a strong pace for his stable companion.

Steele Tango is better than ever this spring, running well in Group Three's at Newmarket and Sandown, but below that level of late and surely biting off more than he can chew here.

Twice Over did little wrong in 2008, landing the Craven Stakes and a Group Twp in France. He is every bit as good this term, but has come up short all four previous attempts at this level and a similar scenario is likely.

Jukebox Jury is a smart performer who overcame trouble in running to win the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes in 2008. He had setbacks prior to last of seven in Group Three in France on his return and has plenty to prove now.

Malibu Bay looked a useful prospect when winning an eight furlong Navan maiden in October, but has had his limitations exposed in Group company this term and is probably playing a pacemaking role here.

Rip Van Winkle had a lofty reputation as a juvenile and lived up to that tag when fourth to Sea The Stars in 2000 Guineas and Derby, but there is no reason to suppose he can turn the tables with that one here.

Sea The Stars turned in classy displays to win 2000 Guineas and Derby, having Rip Van Winkle behind on both occasions. He should be equally effective at 10f and will be tough to beat.

Set Sail is a decent performer in his own right, but has been employed as a pacemaker this term and is likely to fulfil the same role here.

* * *

Is there really a strong betting edge to be found in the Coral-Eclipse?

Personally, I'm a little sceptical. Granted, Sandown tends to throw up tight finishes even when the favourite seems to have something in hand and the Eclipse in particular is seldom won without the winner having to graft hard.

But the more I look at the Sandown showpiece the more I feel Sea The Stars is just the price he ought to be at a shade over [1.8] as he bids to become the first horse since Nashwan in 1989 to add the Eclipse to his Guineas and Derby successes.

It's interesting to note that Timeform feel Conduit's best form would have been good enough to land the last five renewals - and I can't envisage a finish in which he isn't involved in some way - but the last five renewals didn't contain Sea The Stars.

Rip Van Winkle is at least two lengths inferior to John Oxx's charge based on the Guineas and Derby and, for all that his reputation is sky high, Aidan O'Brien plainly needs to coax something extra from him in order to win this for the fourth time in ten years.

Cima de Triomphe will do very well to confirm recent course form with Conduit on 7lb worse terms, but the question remains the same.

So, is there a betting edge in the Coral-Eclipse? The presence of two pacemakers for Rip Van Winkle and one for Conduit suggests the gallop will be severe.

That will surely enable the cream to rise to the top in the final furlong. My head says Sea The Stars is the real deal and that his combination of pace and power could prove overwhelming if the ground stays good or faster.

But the value hound in me suggests that a small bet to win and a bigger one to place on Conduit might be the canny play.

* * *

High summer Saturdays offer punters a bewildering array of punting opportunities and it's important to have a list of options printed on your mind as early as possible.

Five angles which strike me as worth exploring in the other big races at Sandown and Haydock are as follows...

1: Victoria Montoya (Sandown 4.20)

Andrew Balding's filly bolted up from a good subsequent winner over a mile-and- three-quarters at Newmarket and ran a cracker behind a horse who has won again since over the same distance here last time. She looks as if she is more than ready for a step up to two miles and, given that the handicapper has left her alone for that recent defeat, anyone who takes an early price will have bright prospects of saving their stake in running at around [3.0] on a filly who looks to be primed for a career best here.

2: Masta Plasta (Sandown 2.05)

Triple Aspect will corner a chunk of the market here - and understandably so - but he raced lazily early on here last time and any more rain would be a concern. By contrast, Masta Plasta would be well served by further showers. He has looked back to his best of late and his early pace will give him clear back to lay potential if Adrian Nicholls can get him across to press for the lead from stall five.

3: Raaeidd (Sandown 5.30)

Following horses from a yard who have suddenly hit top form after a quiet spell often pays dividends and that is the angle with this colt. Raaeidd was in fine form during the spring and caught the eye travelling powerfully for a long way when third in a hot handicap at York, but his stable weren't truly firing at the time. The Jarvis horses have staged a major revival recently, so it's fair to expect an improved performance from a lightly raced horse with plenty going for him off a mark of 82.

4: Alfathaa (Sandown 2.40)

Yes, this is a fiercely open handicap in which Huzzah and Mirrored loom large as serious dangers, but Alfathaa caught the eye travelling sweetly having been held up from a poor draw in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot and looks firmly back on track after failing to progress as expected in 2008. He isn't one for maximum faith, but he's almost certainly better than circumstances allowed him to show at Ascot and his smooth travelling style should catch the eye of the in-play gang from halfway.

5: High Heeled (Haydock 2.55)

The case for this filly is simple and revolves around the fact that she has the best form in the race and that the rain has come at the perfect time for her. Some fair judges took the fancy each way prices about her before the Oaks and she ran a cracker to bustle up Sariska and Midday. This has to be regarded as a step down in class and the more rain that falls the more her chance of justifying favouritism will increase.

3.00
Tartatartufata 5.4 in to 4.4

3.35
French Applause 2.41 in to 1.82
Arteus 9.8 in to 7

4.10
Crime Writer 4.1 out to 5.8
Musaalem 7 in to 6

4.45
Flawed Genius 2.68 in to 2.2
Royal Dignitary 3.02 in to 2.46

Sandown

2.20
Equuleus Pictor 6.38 out to 9.6
Cake 15 in to 10

2.50
Angels Pursuit 3.3 in to 2.7
Brambleberry 12 out to 19

3.25
Pytheas 2.5 in to 1.75
Halyard 18 in to 12

4.00
Kirklees 35 out to 4.6
Tranquil Tiger 5.7 in to 4.4
Covert Ambition 7 out to 9

4.35
Alpen Glen 3.45 in to 2.64
Greylami 14 in to 10
Mountain Pride 10 out to 21

5.05
Starthcal 3.05 out to 3.85
All Guns Firing 7.2 in to 6

Warwick

2.10
Highland Storm 3.45 in to 2.24

2.40
Silver Grecian 1.89 in to 1.42

3.10
Papyrian 4.2 in to 3.2
Makaam 3.3 out to 4.1

3.45
Feelin Foxy 3.96 out to 4.7

4.20
Hand Painted 9.13 in to 6.6
Charging Indian 14.5 in to 11

4.55
Pseudonym 5.3 in to 4.3

5.25
Barbirolli 3.8 out to 5

Plenty of action awaits us this afternoon with Sandown providing the best quality card that features two interesting listed races. Angel's Pursuit (2.50) was sent off the 4/1 favourite for the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot running green, finishing eighth but is clearly well thought of by his trainer.

On his website Richard Hannon says: "We have not ruled out next week's July Stakes for Angel's Pursuit, who would probably appreciate a sixth furlong, but this is a stiff five and he has to have a big chance as he had no run in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot."

With so many good juveniles in the stable Hannon certainly knows what he has and I fully expect a better run from Angles Pursuit today with Richard Hughes aboard.

Kirkless (4.00), who is named after an area of West Yorkshire, returns from Dubai and makes his season reappearance in conditions more like the Middle East than the North of England. This is a very good horse who is officially rated as so by the official handicapper and can get Godolphin back on track by landing this decent prize. Frankie Dettori is in the saddle, having been last seen doing a flying dismount following a maiden winner at Thirsk, which illustrates where the stable now find themselves. Kirklees has very solid form, particularly in the context of this race and will certainly be very fit. I am somewhat hesitant about the stable form but class may see this tough colt home for the money.

At Doncaster Global Conquest (5.15) looks banker bet material, going down a short head at Salisbury last week she should make it third time lucky under Adrian Nicholls. Looking at the race I would have Pat Eddery's filly as an odds-on chance but at the time of writing you can back her at odds against in the Betfair win market, so get on I say!

Lets hope its a great day for us and that Britain has a finalist at Wimbledon on Sunday. Come on Murray!

Fridays Bets:

2.50 Sandown- Angel's Pursuit, win @ [2.88]
4.00 Sandown- Kirkless, win @ [4.6]
5.15 Doncaster- Global Conquest, win @ [2.02]