UK//FR July 8th

[tenfurlongs]

Top-class racing in GB & France today, unfortunately with small fields in some of the big races. The Eclipse Stakes at Sandown features the 3yo generation stepping out against older foes for the first time, and despite the race only having four entrants, we get Paddington, winner of Irish 2000 Guineas and St. James Palace S. at Royal Ascot for Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore, clashing with Emily Upjohn, dual GI-winner which won the Coronation Cup (GI) at Epsom last time, from the Gosdens and William Buick, subbing for Frankie Dettori. Can't bet it, but have to watch it!

The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud offers 2022 Irish Derby hero Westover in a rematch against Zagrey, the second and third place finishers behind Japanese superstar Equinox in the Sheema Classic at Meydan (Dubai). 


Sandown- GOING:  Sprint course - GOOD, Good to firm in places; Round course - GOOD TO FIRM

SAN R1 (8:50am ET)- 5f (5f10y) Coral Charge (Group 3) (Registered As The Sprint Stakes) (Class 1) (3yo+)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/54/sandown/2023-07-08/843119


SAN R3 (10:00am ET)- 1m Coral Distaff (Listed Race) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/54/sandown/2023-07-08/843121


SAN R4 (10:40am ET)- 1m2f (1m1f209y) Coral-Eclipse (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo+)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/54/sandown/2023-07-08/838361



Haydock Park- GOING:  GOOD TO FIRM (rain showers) 

HAY R3 (9:40am ET)- 1m4f (1m3f175y) Lancashire Oaks (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/23/haydock/2023-07-08/843087



Saint-Cloud- GOING:  SOFT

STC R3 (10:55am ET)- 1m4f Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Group 1) (4yo+) (Turf) (4yo+)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/219/saint-cloud/2023-07-08/845300


STC R5 (12:05pm ET)- 1m2f Prix Eugene Adam (Group 2) (3yo) (Turf) (3yo)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/219/saint-cloud/2023-07-08/845333

[1hooper]

Coral-Eclipse interesting challenge. 7lbs seems like too much this time of year, Paddington moving up 2F and Emily dropping down 2F. Would think the pace might be slow and tactical early but I'm hoping Moore or Buick gets aggressive. TW is right, must watch.

[cherokeescot]

Absolute cracker of a race. Paddington is the real deal .

[1hooper]

Very honest gallop early, think Emily gets there if only 5lb difference.

[spiderjohn]

Imo the race set up perfectly for Paddington due to the weight break. He was in his best form and the field was very small.
Surprised to see the tri pay $7.80

[tenfurlongs]

TW

[tenfurlongs]

TW