Coral-Eclipse Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Jul 5)

An exciting Saturday of horse racing action is set for July 5, with Saratoga hosting both the Belmont Derby and Belmont Oaks.

However, in Europe, all eyes will be on Sandown, as one of the most important summer flat races is staged in the form of the G1 Coral-Eclipse. A talented field of runners will go to post, and you can find our picks for the race here.

Odds

Coral-Eclipse Recent Winners

Coral-Eclipse: Event Information

Race Preview

All eyes will be on Sandown Park this Saturday, as the prestigious G1 Coral-Eclipse is staged. This race was first held back in 1886, and it is typically the first race of the campaign that features a clash of generations. However, the British Derby winner is unlikely to be involved this year, meaning that the Classic crop will be represented by Aidan O’Brien’s French Derby winner, Camille Pissarro.

The three-year-old is a very likable sort for the master trainer, having won three from ten starts under rules. That includes success in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club at the start of last month. Acts on all ground, and is dangerous getting weight off his rivals.

However, Ombudsman is the highest rated runner in the field following his dominant return to British soil at Royal Ascot last month when landing the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes by two lengths from Anmaat. But, he was beaten over course and distance earlier this season by Almaqam, which would raise concerns.

Sosie is the most fascinating runner in the field for trainer Andre Fabre. The French raider has won six from nine on the turf, and has already won a pair of Group One races in France this season. But, ground conditions will likely be his biggest concern, as the four-year-old will likely need a downpour between now and Saturday.

Coral-Eclipse Picks

This weekend’s Coral-Eclipse is a fascinating race, and there are plenty of logical angles to follow. However, the fact that Ombudsman only raced a couple of weeks ago means that it is worth taking him on.

I’m a huge fan of Sosie, and he has already proven wins at the highest level over this trip. The ground may be a concern, but his profile and pedigree suggest that he should act on good ground.