Weekend Preview: A case of how Farhh?

The late defection of So You Think from the Eclipse may have taken some of the gloss from the race, but it still remains as the undoubted highlight of the weekend's action and is arguably a more interesting betting heat as a consequence. Many people felt that Godolphin's lightly-raced colt Farhh was an unlucky loser behind So You Think last time, and his price has obviously tightened since news emerged that his Royal Ascot conqueror would miss the race. Farhh currently sits at the head of the market from last year's King George winner (and seasonal debutant) Nathaniel with joint Timeform top-rated Cityscape also prominent in the betting. Recent money has been for 130-rated Cityscape who will be aiming to reproduce the best of his form on his first start at ten furlongs, and any rain will aid his cause. Dubai World Cup winner, and the other joint top-rated horse, Monterosso is a fascinating contender, whilst the hopes of the classic generation are largely pinned on Dante Stakes winner Bonfire.

There is a strong supporting card at Sandown, with a Group 3 race, two listed contests and some interesting handicaps for punters to get involved in. Judge 'n Jury has undergone something of a resurgence of late and is well drawn to make a bold bid to land the "Charge", a five-furlong Group 3 contest. It will be no easy task, however, as Night Carnation and Spirit Quartz are just a couple who are likely to go well in a highly competitive event.

Dual-champion jockey Paul Hanagan returns to action after his fall at Newmarket last week and it's his old boss, Richard Fahey, who provides him with his first ride on the card as Lady's First attempts to improve on her recent Royal Ascot third in the one-mile listed race restricted to three-year-old fillies. She'll face a formidable rival in 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes runner-up Starscope, however, so Hanagan might have to wait until later on the card when new boss Sheikh Hamdan could provide him with a winner as they combine with Thimaar in the two-mile listed race.

Trade Commissioner is likely to be a hot-favourite to back up his impressive win at Salisbury last week in the one-mile handicap, but he is sure to face stiff competition as he takes on a field of tough handicap veterans and a couple of three-year-olds.

A race that is certain to generate plenty of betting interest, should the meeting survive the threat of heavy rain, is the Old Newton Cup. Haydock's oldest race is likely to prove to be a real war of attrition and stamina will be at a premium in the energy-sapping conditions. Donald McCain's recent Cumberland Plate winner Lexi's Boy looks better equipped than most to handle the bottomless ground and is sure to be prominent in the market as his trainer aims to plunder another valuable Flat prize. Luca Cumani is always a man to be respected in this contest and he relies on Franciscan to bolster his impressive record, as he aims for his fourth win in nine years. Edwin Tuer's stable star Easy Terms has a tremendous recent strike-rate, winning six out of her last seven starts, and with a heavy-ground win next to her name she must also register high up on any shortlist.

The Group 2 Lancashire Oaks provides support to the feature Heritage Handicap and has an open feel to it this year. Great Heavens has made a fine impression in her burgeoning career and with a proven ability to handle soft ground as well as the promise of more improvement to come she has to enter considerations. Shimmering Surf and Set To Music are two others who will revel in the conditions and make it a fascinating renewal of the race.

Later on in the card, a few old favourites such as Doncaster Rover and Inxile go to post for an intriguing six furlong conditions race. They are taken on by a couple of decent four-year-olds in the shape of Morache Music and Alben Star and an exciting finish could be in store.

It is a fairly low-key Sunday with Ayr providing a few tricky handicaps for Flat fans to get their teeth into, and Market Rasen hosting a summer jumps meeting for those National Hunt devotees counting down the days until October.

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