‘The trip is perfect’ – 10/1 Eclipse contender is the value bet against City Of Troy

The Coral-Eclipse is a significant event on the Flat racing calendar as it’s the first clash between the leading middle-distance three-year-olds and the older horses. Sandown’s biggest Flat race takes place on Saturday and it should be a cracker.

Epsom Derby hero City Of Troy heads the ante-post market but he’s not an attractive betting proposition at odds of 1/2. With that in mind, we’ve picked one out at a bigger price who looks like the value bet for those willing to take on the favourite. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

3.35 Sandown (Saturday)

Dancing Gemini (10/1, William Hill) showed plenty of promise at two and absolutely bolted up in a Listed race at Doncaster in September. Fifth in the Futurity Trophy next time, he has taken his form to a new level this year.

It was a fine effort at Longchamp on seasonal debut and he only just failed to catch the winner when a narrow second in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains. A step up in trip definitely beckoned after that run and he was a respectable sixth behind City Of Troy in the Epsom Derby.

The fact that he lost two places late on suggests 1m4f was a too far but the 1m2f trip here should be perfect. Roger Teal’s colt will need to improve to turn the tables on City Of Troy but this trip can help.

He’s capable of winning races at the this level and a below-par effort from the favourite would leave the door open. John Joseph Murphy’s White Birch is respected after his impressive defeat of Auguste Rodin but Dancing Gemini represents the best value at a double-figure price.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.