THE feature event of the weekend is the Coral Eclipse Stakes (3.45) at Sandown Park, but with all the opposition either scared away or injured, Epsom Derby hero Gold Horn is likely to start at around 1/3 for this prestigious race.

The alternative for me could be Western Hymn if any thunderstorms hit the track and ease the going, such is his record at the Esher course. However, with that being unlikely this is a race to watch and savour rather than have a financial interest in.

The most interesting punting race on the card is the Coral Challenge Handicap over the extended mile at 2.35 in which luck in running always plays a major part in proceedings.

Spark Plug was made favourite for the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot after winning at Newbury, but then took a heavy fall at the Berkshire track when clipping heels.

I think the handicapper may well have got to him now off a mark of 107 and there are several rivals receiving weight that are preferred, notably Munaaser and Tournament.

The first named came to lead his side at Ascot at the furlong pole, but simply had no chance with the runners on the far side of the track.

Off a mark of 97 he is well enough weighted to go close here and warrants an each-way wager.

But because both horses will be double figure prices I am also going to have a small interest in Seamus Durack’s charge.

There is little doubt that he will be seen to better effect with some give in the ground and I think that the Cambridgeshire would be the perfect race for him if Seamus can get him into the race on a high enough mark.

But he does act on a quicker surface and a well-run race at this tough venue will suit him.

The 4-year-old is also entered in the Haydock 5.10 and should be backed in whichever race he runs in.

Earlier on, Commonwealth Cup fourth Salt Island can pay a handsome compliment to his conquerors when he drops down to five furlongs for the 2.00.

However, he has so much speed and loves the prevailing fast ground so much that he could be the wager to see off fellow three-year-old Waady and the first time visored Dutch Masterpiece.

I love these big sprint handicaps and the drop in class and stiff track could see Innocently return to winning form and defy top weight in the Beverley 3.00.

With the heavy thunderstorms around Haydock Park is unlikely to dry up which puts a totally different complexion on the Bet365 Old Newton Cup at 2.50.

I think that this will be run at an honest clip and the give in the ground will suit Great Hall.

John Quinn’s charge was thought good enough to contest the St Leger in 2013. He made a really encouraging seasonal debut when fourth to Notarised at York and an out and out gallop on this ground could see him play a major role and reverse that form so 16/1 will do for me when there are doubts about several of the market leaders on the soft ground.

Farquhar will also love the pace, but 96 looks high enough so the biggest danger could come from top weight Windshear who simply didn’t stay in the Ascot Gold Cup.

Elsewhere, George Cinq may finally get his head in front in the Leicester 3.50, while those worth considering at Nottingham in the evening are Duke of Yorkshire (5.45) and Raddeh in the finale at 8.45.