Saturday Racing Tips – Dan James Racing

Ombudsman heads to Sandown on Saturday as the red-hot favourite for the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, and it’s easy to see why. Following a commanding victory in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, the colt has cemented his reputation as one of the best middle-distance horses in Europe. His turn of foot and late acceleration stunned even seasoned racegoers, and he looks ideally suited to the 1m2f test at Sandown. Trained by the Gosden’s and likely partnered by Frankie Dettori, Ombudsman is tactically versatile and thrives on a strong pace.

The Coral-Eclipse, often a battleground for three-year-olds and older horses, will provide a true Group 1 challenge, but few in the field look capable of matching his recent form. With good ground expected, conditions should suit perfectly. If he runs to his Ascot mark, Ombudsman will take all the beating and firmly stamp himself as Europe’s best ten-furlong horse.

Blue Bolt lines up at Sandown on Saturday in top form and looks primed to land a competitive listed handicap over 10 furlongs. The progressive filly has been a revelation this season, notching impressive back-to-back wins at Windsor and Newbury. Her last run was particularly eye-catching—settled mid-pack before producing a strong, sustained run to win going away. Trainer William Haggas has always held her in high regard, and the step up in class looks like a natural progression.

Her pedigree suggests she’ll stay the trip comfortably, and the form of her previous races has been boosted by subsequent winners. Sandown’s galloping track and slight uphill finish should suit her running style perfectly, especially under a patient ride. Drawn well and racing off a workable mark, Blue Bolt looks set to continue her upward trajectory.

With further improvement likely, she’s an excellent each-way or win contender in what looks a winnable race.

Two Tempting returns to Sandown in flying form and looks primed to go close in the Coral Challenge Handicap. The five-year-old has won four of his last five starts, showing a sharp turn of foot and a clear liking for this track. His most recent win came over course and distance in June, where he travelled strongly before asserting late. Dropping 2lb from that effort, he now looks well-handicapped, especially given the lack of early pace in Saturday’s field, which should favour his prominent racing style.

Conditions are set to be ideal with good-to-soft ground expected, and his previous Sandown form is a huge plus in a race where course experience often plays a key role. With confidence high in the yard and recent figures reading strongly, Two Tempting appeals as a value each-way play at current odds. He’s a consistent performer who thrives in rhythm and looks tough to keep out of the frame.