Sea The Stars has shown himself to be an exceptional colt in winning two classics and is strongly fancied to emerge victorious in his first clash against older opposition in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes (3.15) at Sandown Park today.

Handled with aplomb by John Oxx, his trainer, Sea The Stars became the first horse since Nashwan, in 1989, to complete the 2,000 Guineas/Derby double when winning at Epsom. Four subsequent Derby winners have tried in vain to take this prize, but the speed that Sea The Stars showed at Newmarket puts him in a different league and he can continue in Nashwan's hoofprints by winning here.

It is hard to make a good case for any of his rivals. Rip Van Winkle has finished fourth behind him at Newmarket and Epsom, while despite the presence of a pacemaker, St Leger winner Conduit will surely find this too sharp a test.

Cima De Triomphe, formerly trained in Italy, made a winning debut in Britain when beating Conduit by a nose over course and distance in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes in May. However, he is 7lb worse off here and is likely to struggle to confirm the form.

Best of the remainder is Twice Over, but he has come up short on all four previous attempts at the highest level, most recently when a close fourth to Vision D'Etat in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Triple Aspect impressed in listed company over course and distance last time and can handle a step up in class in the Coral Charge (2.05), while Crackdown shaped better than the result suggests when twelfth at Royal Ascot and, back on a track that suits front-runners, can return to winning ways in the Coral Challenge (2.40).

At Haydock Park, Laterly, a 33-1 chance with Ladbrokes and William Hill, is a value bet in the Bet365 Old Newton Cup (3.30). He showed progressive form last summer, including a good second in a red-hot handicap over this course and distance, before tackling unsuitable trips on his final two starts.

He did not take to hurdles in two tries over the winter, but showed much of his old dash on his return from a six-month break at York in May, weakening in the home straight having set an overly strong early pace from an unfavourable wide draw.

He should strip fitter here and, with conditions in his favour, can spring a surprise.

The Bet365 Lancashire Oaks (2.55) can go to Take The Hint. She was unsuited by a slow early pace when only sixth in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, but the form of her previous listed success at Newmarket has worked out well and she is worth another chance.