Only four runners contest the Coral-Eclipse (16h40), however, it is a quality line-up and provides an interesting clash of the generations. Track conditions are now good to soft after rain showers on Wednesday.
Aidan O’Brien updated the media on Thursday: “Paddington is nice and fresh and well. He’s a very straightforward horse, Ryan could go forward on him on Saturday, I don’t think it makes a big difference.”
If that is what transpires, the four-year-old filly Emily Upjohn will have to improve on her best form to catch him whilst conceding 7lbs.
The meeting starts at 14h50 with the Gr3 Coral Charge over 5-furlongs. Ten runners contest with lots of collateral form to assess.
The Karl Burke-trained Marshman is joint highest-rated in the field and receives a three-year-old allowance, so is very much in the mix. The booking of Ryan Moore and an inside draw of three are additional positives.
Tiber Flow trained by an in-form William Haggas is the other highest-rated runner. Six furlongs looks to be his optimum trip, but with a fast pace likely over this tough 5-furlongs, he should be finishing best. Top rider Tom Marquand retains the ride.
Annaf brings the best form into the race after an excellent third in the King’s Stand at Ascot last month. Draw 11 could have been better but the Rossa Ryan-ridden runner has a realistic chance.
Raasel, last year’s winner, is another to consider, but with Moore in such good form, Marshman is selected.
Up north, Haydock racecourse hosts the Gr2 bet365 Lancashire Oaks at 15h40. Nine fillies and mares go to the mile-and-a-half start. The Gosden-trained 4-year-old Mimikyu is a course and distance winner and may have too much class for her rivals. Rab Havlin rides and she is expected to have come on for her short head second at York on her seasonal return in May.
The well-bred Time Lock and the Haggas-trained Sea Silk Road should follow her home.
