Saturday NAP: Templegate’s Exciting New Stayer Ready to Make the Most of Handicap Rating
TEMPLEGATE is gearing up for the upcoming races this Saturday, with the prestigious Coral-Eclipse at Sandown being the highlight, live on ITV1 at 3:35 PM. There are high hopes of outsmarting the bookmakers.
Click the odds below to place your bets on a horse.
VALIANCY (2:05 Haydock, nap)
This Cracksman gelding, under the guidance of William Haggas, is in remarkable form. Though he faced a narrow defeat here over 1m4f in May, he later excelled at Hamilton. He has the potential to be a strong stayer, likely thriving with the added distance on good ground. His favorable opening mark positions him as a notable contender in his handicap debut.
GREEK ORDER (2:25 Sandown, nb)
This horse proved himself as a strong contender, finishing fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, making a strong late charge behind the impressive winner, My Cloud, showcasing his potential for Group-level performance in a handicap. This was his first outing for Michael Bell after returning from the US, reaffirming his capabilities. The demanding mile at Sandown should suit him well, and the addition of Ryan Moore is certainly appealing.
SIR LOWRY’S PASS (3:15 Haydock, treble)
He still has room to improve at this distance following a solid victory at Goodwood and an unfortunate run at Redcar last time. The step up in distance could yield positive results.
Insights from Templegate for TV
SANDOWN
1:50
SHE’S QUALITY is showcasing her abilities with two strong performances in Group sprints this season.
She finished closely behind Rumstar in the Palace House at HQ and was just half a length off in the Temple Stakes.
Tactically flexible, she adapts well to various ground conditions, and the challenging 5f distance here should play to her strengths. She’s prepared to compete at this level and deserves the nod.
Kerdos faced difficulties after going loose before the King Charles III at Royal Ascot, yet still managed to perform admirably, finishing as the first from the far-side group, just two lengths short.
Dropping down in class should see him very close. Rumstar triumphed over this tip in the Palace House and faced tough draws in his last two races.
Having experience in this class, he shouldn’t be overlooked.
Balmoral Lady is rising in Ed Walker’s yard, having secured a Listed victory at Haydock in May and exceeding expectations at Ascot. She’s another strong contender.
West Acre didn’t have the best performance at the Royal meeting but enjoys this distance, while Adrestia clinched a competitive Ascot handicap last time out and remains solid in this class.
2:25
GREEK ORDER established himself as a main contender when he finished fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, making a solid late charge behind the impressive winner My Cloud and showing traits that suggest he could perform at Group level in a handicap.
This was his first outing under Michael Bell following his return from the US and confirms he still has all his capabilities.
The challenging mile at Sandown should suit him perfectly, with Ryan Moore’s booking adding to the allure.
Treasure Time poses a significant threat. His absence since last September hasn’t impacted his performance as he won twice last season under the strong William Haggas yard.
He stays well and travels effortlessly, previously winning fresh – this track could unveil even more of his potential.
Classic Encounter is also on the rise, coming off a determined win at York. Although not flashy, he’s robust and progressing well.
Classic has demonstrated admirable performances at Sandown, having previously finished second in a tactical race here. A repeat of that showing would place him in contention.
Arisaig could be a noteworthy option at a higher price, as he was hindered by the draw at Royal Ascot last time out.
3:00
SUPERMODEL is well-positioned for William Haggas.
With breeding for success over middle distances, she has also shown impressive speed at shorter distances with two strong wins early in her career.
She cruised through a Nottingham handicap on her return, pulling away comfortably, likely with more to offer.
The demanding mile at Sandown, coupled with an expected vigorous pace, suits her well, and she has ample room for progression.
Miss Tonnerre poses a major challenge, having finished behind top-tier fillies in her juvenile season, including in the Group 2 May Hill at Donny. Her breeding suggests she’ll excel as a three-year-old.
She stands to benefit greatly from her return in the Musidora last month and is well-suited to the drop back in trip.
Market interest is significant surrounding Blue Bolt, who has triumphed in her last two races effortlessly.
She is undoubtedly talented but faces tougher competition here and appears somewhat short in the market.
Cajole, with Ryan Moore riding for the Gosdens, made notable improvements with her second-place finish in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot.
Not having a smooth run there made her performance all the more commendable, and she seems capable of meeting this standard.
Victory Queen is also progressing well and holds solid place claims.
3:35
OMBUDSMAN may have short odds, but he’s a fierce competitor in the Coral-Eclipse.
This powerhouse from the Gosden stable has established himself as a formidable Group 1 contender at Royal Ascot, powering through late to capture the Prince of Wales’s Stakes impressively.
Although he faced some crowding at a critical moment, he surged forward dramatically once clear, easily dispatching his rivals.
He has shown immense promise throughout the year, and this may be his moment of triumph.
The only potential challenge could be a chaotic race in this small field.
With no clear frontrunner, a slow pace might not benefit him, yet William Buick has various strategies at his disposal.
Ombudsman is strong at 1m2f, has an explosive turn of foot, and performs well on any ground.
The French raider Sosie looks poised to provide competition.
Andre Fabre’s star has secured two Group 1 victories this season at Longchamp, the Prix Ganay and the Prix d’Ispahan, exhibiting a blend of class and stamina.
As most French races are run at a measured pace, this could work in his favor.
Delacroix demonstrated all his class during the spring, winning the Ballysax and Leopardstown Trial, but stumbled in the Derby.
That outing can be overlooked as he faced an early setback, and he wouldn’t be the first Ballydoyle candidate to bounce back from Derby disappointment at such a high level.
Ryan Moore continues to partner with Camille Pissarro, who he rode to an easy French Derby victory last time out.
He’s no slouch but will face tougher competition here and must step up his performance against older rivals.
Ruling Court poses an intriguing option; the 2,000 Guineas victor encountered challenges in the St James’s Palace, but few from Charlie Appleby’s yard succeeded at Royal Ascot.
This distance should suit him well, and fast ground aligns with his strengths.
Oisin Murphy is likely to extract the best out of him.
Jessica Harrington’s horses continually present a formidable challenge, and Hotazhell showed promise with a third-place finish in the Irish Guineas.
Another who should thrive at this distance, although the 33-1 odds are tempting, he’ll need to make a significant leap to be competitive.
HAYDOCK
2:05
VALIANCY is the standout horse for William Haggas.
This Cracksman gelding is in excellent form, narrowly losing here over 1m4f in May and following up with a commanding performance at Hamilton.
He appears to be a strong stayer and should appreciate the extra distance on good ground.
A competitive opening mark gives him a fantastic opportunity in his handicap debut.
Deep Water Bay is improving as well, with two wins in his last three outings for Sir Mark Prescott.
He’s thrived since moving to handicaps and stretching in distance, although this challenge of returning to turf after a Chelmsford victory could be significant.
Many Men previously defeated Novelista at Doncaster, but the latter now has a weight advantage and seems a solid each-way option.
Way Of Stars won decisively at Goodwood and moves back into handicaps on the up, while Ammes ran credibly in the King George V at Royal Ascot and stays well. Both are also in the mix.
2:40
With only four runners, this race may develop into a sprint that favors SCENIC.
Ed Walker’s mare is a proven competitor coming off a gritty victory in the Bronte Cup at York, where she triumphed late over 1m6f.
This form looks positive, and as a dual Listed victor, she stays well and performs admirably on quick ground.
Estrange significantly outperformed her rivals in the Pinnacle here last month, defeating Shaha by over four lengths.
She is well-acquainted with this trip and may be maturing into a Group 1 contender.
However, all her victories have come in fast-paced races, and a slow contest could compromise her chances in the closing stages.
Love Talk might lead early but is rated significantly lower against this caliber, while Nuit is a maiden stepping up from Listed level with substantial challenges ahead.
Still, there’s a £13,450 prize for third, which remains a compelling proposition.
3:15
SIR LOWRY’S PASS appears exceptional for the Old Newton Cup (3:15 Haydock).
Ed Walker’s rising star has more to give at this distance and has the potential to outpace Chillingham and City Of Delight.
Here’s your race guide:
ENEMY 1
OH My. Once a Group performer, now facing a downturn. Drops to handicap but is tricky to back due to significant weight.
STRESSFREE 3
NO Stress. Won here in May but struggled at Ascot from the back. Stays strongly, and the track suits. An each-way chance.
CHILLINGHAM 4
HOT Chill. Secured the York race in the stewards’ room after a close second. The visor helped, and he stays well. A genuine threat if the headgear keeps him focused.
SIR LOWRY’S PASS 5
PASS master. An improving runner for a in-form stable. A robust win at Goodwood was followed by an unfortunate outing at Redcar. Likely to stay strong and has more to offer now.
PLAGE DE HAVRE 3
HAV a look. Stays well on any ground. Can be unruly early, but has the capability to close the gap when at his best.
CITY OF DELIGHT 4
ANGEL Delight. Scored six wins in the last eight races and was only beaten by pace last time. Ahead of the handicapper. A serious contender.
GREAT BEDWYN 3
GREAT shout. Won on return at York and faced misfortune at Epsom. Stays well and is lightly raced this year. A likely place contender.
SOL CAYO 3
CAYO go. A front-runner enjoying a successful run after three wins. It’s a significant class leap but confidence is high. Could be close if he sets the pace.
BOX TO BOX 2
BOXED in. Recently won over a shorter distance here, but the distance increase raises concerns. The tougher race and a wide draw off a higher mark present challenges.
MY DREAM WORLD 3
DREAM on. An improving 4-year-old with stamina. The track suits, and he could contend following a strong run at York.
MINSTREL KNIGHT 3
MIN the hunt. A strong comeback indicates stamina. Would benefit from some rain but isn’t out of the competition.
NIGHT BREEZE 2
BREEZE blows. Still 6lb higher than at Ascot, questionable effort at Epsom last time. Needs improvement.
PADDY THE SQUIRE 3
PADDY not baddy. Most suited to 1m2f but appears reasonably rated, and holds place claims if he can finish strongly.
HUMBLE SPARK 2
NO Spark. Best efforts are on AW and excels over longer distances. Likely to struggle.
MIDNIGHT LION 2
LION barred. Solid performance over further at Newcastle last week but prefers running on sand.
SPORTINGSILVERMINE 2
DEEP Mine. Still fairly untested over this trip, recent efforts have been lacking, needing improvement.
Templegate’s recommendations
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