Paul Ferguson two selections for us on Saturday; Desert Encounter in the 2.50 at Haydock and The Gurkha in the 3.45 at Sandown. Compare odds and bet.
With the ground a huge concern for Time Test, St James’s Palace Stakes second The Gurkha (3:45) can go one better in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
The ground was testing when he won his maiden and Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old clearly coped with conditions at the Royal meeting earlier in the month. The step up in trip ought to suit the Galileo colt, who was mightily impressive when winning the French Guineas the time before.
Up at Haydock, the Old Newton Cup looks as competitive as ever, but Desert Encounter (2:50) is bang in-form at present, handles soft ground and has been handed a kind draw on the inside.
Up 5lbs for last weekend’s Windsor success, the Halling gelding seems to save a little for himself, but moves through his races as if he can continue to climb the ladder. His easiest success to date came under similar conditions over today’s trip at Doncaster and, assuming the race doesn’t come too quickly for him, a big run looks on the cards.
Jamie Spencer is reunited with him this afternoon and he clearly suits the hold-up tactics. David Simcock’s improving four-year-old was trading at 7-1 with most firms at the time of writing.
Saturday’s selections:
2:50 Haydock: Desert Encounter; 6/1 bet365
3:45 Sandown: The Gurkha; evens Paddy Power
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