LADIES' Day on the first day of Sandown’s Eclipse meeting will see clear blue skies and two Listed contests, with some smart performers on show including Elarqam and Royal Line in the Listed Gala Stakes at 3.25. The other Listed race, the Dragon Stakes at 2.20 looks more open than the betting suggests and I’m intrigued to see how Rayong performs here.

Elsewhere there is flat racing at Doncaster, Haydock, Chelmsford, Beverley, with jumps at Newton Abbot and Wexford, whilst Bellewstown hold a mixed card.

Tomorrow all eyes will be on Enable on Eclipse Saturday and let’s hope the weather stays dry as there looks sure to be a big crowd for her seasonal reappearance in a top Eclipse. Frankie Dettori has sounded very positive and let’s hope they can raise the roof at Esher.

I’m looking forward to two days of presenting at this wonderful racecourse in the marvellous Equus Restaurant, headed up by the charismatic team of Luca and Carmelo. See you there!  

2.20 Sandown Listed 5f

Rayong for the Karl Burke yard looks to have an excellent each-way opportunity here.

Winner on debut at Carlisle, he then finished unplaced at Royal Ascot in the Windsor Castle Stakes, although he was making good headway when badly hampered and there is more to come today.

Unibet each way 15/2

3.25 Sandown Listed 1m 1f

Elarqam may have to concede weight to all his rivals, yet he can come out on top here.

His comfortable win at Goodwood in May of a Listed contest, was followed by a good third in the Wolverton behind Addeybb at Royal Ascot. This Frankel colt will love the going this afternoon.

Unibet win 11/8

4.00 Sandown Handicap 1m 2f

Jazeel (nap) for the inform Jedd O’ Keeffe yard can strike with his first success of 2019, following two good runs this season. 

Second at Epsom at the Investec Derby meeting on quick going, followed up a seasonal reappearance runner’s up spot at Newmarket, when Jazeel just lost out by a neck on yard debut.

In 2018 Jazeel won over course and distance here on good to firm which is a plus.

Unibet win 11/4

4.35 Sandown Handicap 1m 6f 

Machine Learner admittedly has not shown any form on his two starts this season and yet I will be having a small each way wager on his return to Sandown. 

He goes well here, with a win and close second in two C&D runs, plus a drop in grade and a mark he’s won off in the past might see an improved effort today.

Unibet each way 12/1

5.05 Sandown Handicap 1m

Biotic won this from a 4lb lower mark last year (although went on to win off 72, so is on a winning mark) and dropped a hint at Leicester last time out that he might be on the way back. Excellent record at Sandown and the quicker the ground the better. Drawn to come with a late run down the outside, and has the very experienced Joanna Mason to do the steering.

Unibet win 7/2