The Weekends Racing – By The Sportsman Racing

Next on the layer’s lists is Cityscape from the Roger Charlton yard. A fascinating contender at 6-1 he has each-way potential. Cityscape was scintillating when winning the Dubai Duty Free at Meydan, a career best performance. The stiff Sandown finish over a previously unraced 10-furlong trip will provide a major test for Cityscape. However, with top class jockey James Doyle on board it may be worth an each-way investment that Cityscape has the stamina to hit the frame. Crackerjack King has proved the toast of Italy winning seven of his eight career outings, notably the Group 1 Premio Presidente Della Repubblica at Capannelle in May on his final start for Stefano Botti. Now with son Marco, this shrewd trainer is worth listening to when he says “I think Sandown’s stiff finish will really suit him and it’s his best trip.” Falbrav famously won the Eclipse in 2003 while Misil from Italy was second in 2003 and Alteri third in 2005. It may pay not to underestimate Italian form though a career best from Crackerjack King on softer ground would be necessary. Of the rest of the contenders three-year old Bonfire may come up short against his elders with his optimum trip being over further. Cogito the other three-year old in the race doesn’t look top drawer while Twice Over has father time against him with no horse over the age of six having ever won the race. Dubai World Cup Winner Monterosso hasn’t been on the track for almost two years and would prefer good ground. His previous turf form leaves him with a good few pounds to find in this exalted company. Farhh is the selection with Cityscape the each-way alternative. Key Eclipse Stakes Betting Trends 10/10 – Aged 5 or younger 10/10 – Previous Group One winner 9/10 – Priced 8-1 or shorter On the supporting card Trade Commisioner warrants support at odds of 5-2 in the £70,000 Coral Challenge at 2.40. Winner of two of his four starts this is a progressive beast who will be difficult to beat should he reproduce the dazzling form of his Class 2 handicap win at Salisbury just under two weeks ago.]]>