Rivals respected but Eagles can soar again in Oxford staying test

EAGLES RESPECT had to work a little harder than expected in a lesser race over the course and distance last week but still looks drawn to land Oxford's cracking 650m open finale at 4.44.

Angie Kibble's Swindon Produce winner is five from seven over the trip but faces some very noteworthy rivals including Venetian Mick, brilliant winner of a strong maiden event here last autumn, and ever-reliable Ballymac Madgie.

However, the inside draw can prove key by allowing an untroubled early run to see him turn in a prominent pitch and then settle the issue with a best of middle speed.

First of the Oxford opens is a 450m puppy contest at 2.52 where Matt Dartnall's Letter Mac can go from the front to claim the scalp of shock Puppy Oaks heroine Rapido Spy.

Two heats of the BetGoodwin Oxford Standard over 450m can go to Mike Burton's Face The Storm (3.29) and Kevin Hutton's Dreamin Reggie (4.07).

The Sunday open action begins early at Valley with five such contests, the first a 460m event at 11.29 where Donna Davy's Droopys Nijinsky can make it seven wins on the bounce.

Other Valley open picks are Anna Jeffery's Wings Of War (11.47), Steve Howard's Crokers Bluebell (12.38), Christian Darch's Clongeel Bono (1.12) and Davy's Bells Babe (1.47).

Best at Doncaster's early fixture is Sue Watson's Sandwood Gabby who can stretch her winning D2 run to five in the 11.38 over 275m, while Colin Watson's Chippy Chase (6.29) stands out at Star Pelaw this evening.

There are three Sunday Irish fixtures with Marie Cummins' Wee Pip (4.18) fancied at Mullingar, Adam Dunford's Dangan Conor (7.51) taken to land an open on Clonmel's card, while Sean Maxwell's Crokers Emma (8.56) can score at Lifford.

Eagles Respect (nap)
T1 Oxford 4.44