Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Sandown Eclipse Day Tips

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey – now a celebrated TV pundit – picks out some of the runners and riders catching her eye on Eclipse Day at Sandown and some big races at Haydock.

Saturday Racing Tips

Sandown 1.50 – Sprint Stakes

Live In The Dream (15/8 fav) was a bit disappointing at Haydock last time but the form doesn’t look too bad now as the winner, Believing, ran really well at Royal Ascot.

Sandown is a track that suits frontrunners and I expect him to leave that Haydock run behind him and bounce back. He stumbled badly last time too and should be hard to beat here if back to his best.

Desperate Hero (15/2) is also interesting as he’s a big improver at present – but he is up in grade and does need to step forward again.

Megan’s Tip: Live In The Dream WIN

Haydock 2.05 – Handicap Class 2

Fouroneohfever (7/1) ran a huge race in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot when staying on strongly.

He is up in trip here which, based on the way he finished at Ascot, suggests will bring out more improvement and he could still be a progressive sort.

It’s a competitive race but, with George Boughey’s horses continuing to run well, he’d be my pick.

Megan’s Tip: Fouroneohfever WIN

Sandown 2.25 – Handicap Class 2

This looks a pretty hot handicap with the likes of Cicero’s Gift (17/2) and Perotto (9/2) in there.

Holloway Bay (5/1) is the one I like though. He was a huge eye-catcher in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, finishing fifth but making significant headway in the final 100 yards.

He was seriously unlucky in running and he can get his day in the sun here. He is a very talented horse, especially on this type of ground, and I can see him finishing strongly and taking this for another in-form yard in Karl Burke.

Megan’s Tip: Holloway Bay WIN

Haydock 2.40 – Lancashire Oaks

This year’s Lancashire Oaks probably isn’t the most vintage of renewals but that doesn’t mean it’s not competitive.

Lady Boba (9/2) was the eye-catcher in a Group 3 over course and distance last time where she was short of room at a crucial stage.

She was only a nostril behind Queen Of The Pride (7/2) and I think she can reverse that form here. She's very consistent and from stall five, jockey Rossa Ryan should have more room to avoid getting boxed in.

Megan’s Tip: Queen Of The Pride WIN

Sandown 3.00 – Distaff Stakes

Bolsena (10/1) is back to a mile at this track, which is no problem at all.

He’s a horse that responds well to encouragement and another positive ride would be favourable — Neil Callan should be able to dictate the pace.

Soprano (15/8) was very good in the Sandringham but I'm not sure she'll get the same pace to aim at this time around and that's why I’m taking her on.

Megan’s Tip: Bolsena WIN

Haydock 3.15 – Old Newton Cup Handicap

Relentless Voyager (7/2 NAP) ran a big race at York last time over 14 furlongs following an impressive victory at Epsom at 12.

Returning to this trip and having Oisin Murphy back on board are two positives and I think he can get back to winning ways on ground he will handle better than a few of the others.

Megan’s Tip: Relentless Voyager WIN

Sandown 3.35 – The Eclipse

The big race of the day is the Eclipse and it’s of course disappointing that White Birch hasn’t made it over.

With him out and after what we saw from City Of Troy (3/10 fav) in the Derby, it's very hard to see Aidan O’Brien’s charge beaten, especially given he gets a weight allowance off his elders in the race.

It was great to see him back to best at Epsom and he really did look a different horse to his disappointing performance in the 2000 Guineas the time before.

Another demolition job is what we'd love to see and I’m hoping he can put on a show.

Megan’s Tip: City Of Troy WIN

Browse all our horse racing markets here

Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change