Bath Preview: Offshore can open account now stepped up in trip

Offshore was a big eye-catcher last time out and can open his account at the fifth time of asking in the 1m 2f nursery at Bath today (2.20).

The James Tate trained colt showed definite sighs of ability in three maiden runs despite looking badly in need of the experience, and then showed improved form on handicap debut when fifth of 13 at Chepstow earlier in the month.

That race was over a mile, and Offshore raced in mid-division before getting slightly outpaced three from home and then staying on strongly inside the final furlong to be beaten three lengths.

The son of Iffraaj was doing all his best work at the finish under tender handling, and it was an effort which suggested today’s extra two furlongs could well bring about further improvement.

If that proves to be the case, then Offshore is going to take plenty of beating in the hands of Adam Kirby in what isn’t a strong looking contest.

Ecliptic Sunrise bounced back to form last time out and looks weighted to go well in the 5f handicap (4.20).

Des Donovan’s filly has only had seven starts and shaped nicely on the second of those over 6f at Yarmouth when racing up with the pace until being unable to quicken two from home and keeping on to be beaten just over seven lengths by the now 82-rated Intermedium.

The daughter of Compton Place failed to build on that effort in her next four starts, but signalled that her time could be near when when fourth of 14 to Gannymede over 6f at Salisbury two weeks ago.

Although beaten 4 1/2 lengths, Ecliptic Sunrise was denied a clear run a furlong from home after being held-up off the pace and finished with plenty of petrol left in the tank.

The drop back to 5f this afternoon may well suit, and Ecliptic Sunrise’s current mark of 51 should be exploitable judged on her run behind Intermedium.

Newmarket trainer Sir Mark Prescott has his team in terrific shape, and High Secret can provide him with another winner in the 1m 5f handicap (5.20).

Like many Prescott inmates, High Secret showed marked improvement when stepped up in trip to make a winning handicap debut at Newcastle last week.