Key events

14m agoBACKERS CELEBRATE SECRET OF LIFE SUCCESS
47m agoINDALO'S STRONG FINISH STUNS BOOKMAKERS
1h agoRUMSTAR SECURES DOUBLE VICTORY
2h agoIntroduction

Ralph Beckett achieved an across-the-cards ITV double at Sandown with Tattycoram and Secret Of Life, which paid out at nearly 19-1.

The main event is coming up soon at Sandown, while at Newmarket the valuable Old Newton Cup handicap is underway after moving from Haydock. Klassleader is the strong favorite at around 6-5 for this competitive race. Trained by William Haggas, the horse showed impressive speed to catch rivals at Yorks Dante meeting and looks hard to beat.

BACKERS CELEBRATE SECRET OF LIFE SUCCESS

SANDOWN 3.00 RESULT: 1. SECRET OF LIFE 2-1 fav, 2. Silenciosa, 3. Estissa.

The 3.00 at Sandown gets underway with Secret Of Life in front, followed by Silenciosa and Sacred Ground in fourth. As they approach the home turn Secret Of Life maintains the lead while Act Of Kindness and Sacred Ground start to close. Secret Of Life pulls clear by two lengths and holds on to win, delighting favorite backers.

Next at Sandown is a Listed race for three-year-old fillies over a mile. Secret Of Life at 9-4 has taken over as favorite from Sacred Ground at 5-2 for a quick double for Ralph Beckett, with others at 13-2. Fingers crossed for Secret Of Life.

Switching briefly to Newmarket, now hosting the Lancashire Oaks due to issues at Haydock, Ralph Becketts Tattycoram delivered a strong performance to win the Group Two by four and a half lengths. The four-year-old returned improved after a break and followed up a Goodwood Listed win impressively.

Eclipse contender: Hawk Mountain

Age: 3. Career: 6 races, 4 wins. Group One wins: 1.

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Timeform rating: 116.

The second choice from O'Briens stable based on jockey bookings, but riders like Wayne Lordan show the strength of the Ballydoyle backup team. Hawk Mountain prefers to race up front, though Flushing Meadows may set the pace. Last years Futurity winner at Doncaster remains a strong option and finished close to Constitution River in the French Derby at Chantilly. Expect a good run from behind the leaders.

Roger Varians Indalo was backed from 4-1 overnight into 5-2 and won under Ray Dawson. The trainer and jockey will combine again with Saddadd in the main event.

INDALO'S STRONG FINISH STUNS BOOKMAKERS

SANDOWN 2.25 RESULT: 1. INDALO 9-4 fav, 2. Hard Endeavour, 3. Ebt's Guard.

The first two winners were selected correctly as nap and next best, though this level of success is not typical.

The 2.25 at Sandown starts with Tribal Chief losing ground at the stalls. Balmacara leads from Liberty Lane with Indalo in mid-division. Turning in, Indalo mounts a challenge on the outside and gets up to win.

Moving to the second race, they load for the big handicap. Indalo is favorite at 5-2, Tribal Chief at 4-1 and Classic at 13-2. Indalo is the nap selection though shorter than anticipated in the market.

Eclipse contender: Saddadd

Age: 4. Career: 8 races, 4 wins. Group One wins: 0.

Trainer: Roger Varian. Timeform rating: 121.

A late developer with a course and distance win in the Gordon Richards Stakes here in April. Comparisons arise with Mtoto from 1987 in similar colors who beat Reference Point in a memorable Eclipse. Saddadd has progressed steadily with handicap wins at Newbury and here, and showed promise in Group One company behind Almaqam in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.

Eclipse contender: Gethin

Age: 4. Career: 6 races, 3 wins. Group One wins: 0.

Trainer: Owen Burrows. Timeform rating: 120p.

Owen Burrows four-year-old makes a Group One debut today after a close second to Ombudsman here in May, a race that has led to Eclipse wins for similar horses. Burrows has a strong record with late-maturing types like Hukum and Anmaat. A few pounds behind Constitution River on ratings but expected to improve further.

The stands are full at Sandown for the biggest Flat day of the season. A big cheer greeted Rumstar as he made his move and secured victory for a repeat win from last year. Asfoora struggled after a slow start in what may be her final weeks before retirement, with possible plans for the Nunthorpe at York next month.

RUMSTAR SECURES DOUBLE VICTORY

SANDOWN 1.50 RESULT: 1. RUMSTAR 100-30, 2. Luna A Inbhir Nis, 3. Partisan Hero.

The 1.50 at Sandown begins with Asfoora slow from the stalls. Leovanni and Luna A Inbhir Nis lead early before Rumstar charges down the outside to win with room to spare.

Approaching post time for the opener. Asfoora is 9-4 favorite, Rumstar at 3-1 and Shagraan at 4-1. Rumstar is fancied for a repeat win from last year in what promises to be a competitive sprint.

Michael Bell paid tribute to his 2005 Derby winner Motivator, who passed away at age 24. The unbeaten Derby hero under Johnny Murtagh had a long stud career at various locations including the National Stud and Royal Stud at Sandringham. Bell highlighted the special Derby day performance.

Eclipse contender: Constitution River

Age: 3. Career: 5 races, 4 wins. Group One wins: 1.

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Timeform rating: 124p.

The favorite has only been beaten once, in a maiden at Newmarket last year. Since then four wins include a seven-length victory in the Dee Stakes at Chester and the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly where Hawk Mountain was close behind. The form looks strong and further improvement is possible after just five starts.

Introduction

Good afternoon from Sandown Park where the Eclipse Stakes, the first Group One between generations, is set for 3.35. The Flat season builds narrative through the Classics, Royal Ascot and then the Eclipse where generations meet. Recent years have featured strong three-year-olds, often from Aidan O'Brien, and Constitution River heads the market today. Four-year-olds like Saddadd and Gethin could also feature, along with Hawk Mountain. The card opens with a Group Three sprint at 1.50 featuring Asfoora against Rumstar, plus a handicap at 2.20 and the Lancashire Oaks relocated to Newmarket. Tips and form details follow, with live updates continuing until after the Eclipse.