Turner's Earners - Saturday: Iris De Balme to score quick double with Cup win

An unfancied 66-1 shot seven days ago at Ayr, Iris De Balme had to race from 26lb out of the handicap, yet he showed his rivals a clean pair of heels to draw right away from Halcon Genelardais after the last fence under 7lb claiming amateur rider Charlie Huxley.

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The pair are bidding to emulate Hot Weld who followed up his Scottish National success 12 months ago with victory in this contest and they look to hold a good chance of staging a repeat.

The improving eight-year-old is again way out of the weights but he's clearly miles in front of the assessor at present and deserves to take his chance against some top quality performers.

Bewleys Berry, who ran so well before tiring when fifth in the Grand National, is turned out again along with D'Argent and Knowhere, who both failed to complete the course at Aintree.

The enigmatic but talented Racing Demon heads the weights and he is a completely different horse going right handed, so deserves respect, particularly on the form of his runs in recent years in successive King George Chases at Kempton.

Also keep an eye out for any market confidence behind the sole Irish challenger Royal County Star. Tony Martin is a trainer the bookies fear and his proven stayer put up a career best when second in the Irish National at Fairyhouse last month.

On a fantastic mixed card at the Esher track the highlight on the Flat is the Group Two Bet365 Mile where Peter Chapple-Hyam's MEDICINE PATH (Sandown, 3.55) seeks to follow up his victory over stablemate Don't Panic at Doncaster.

Jamie Spencer timed his finishing effort to perfection there and he holds Babodana, Blythe Knight and Tell on that running.

His race-fitness gives him the vote over Sir Michael Stoute's Rob Roy, who is making his reappearance and may need the run despite being from a stable in top form.

TAWZEEA (Ripon, 2.30) is an interesting contender in a tricky sprint. It looks significant that trainer Mark Johnston has decided to run the well-bred maiden in this handicap rather than try and pick up a less competitive affair.

Pat Eddery has yet to hit the heights as a trainer that he achieved as a world-class rider, but his KORALEVA TECTONA (Leicester, nap, 5.35) looks ready to give him a welcome win.

His filly caught the eye on her last run behind Magnitude at Warwick and appears well handicapped in the concluding race at the Midlands track where she will be ridden by Eddery's brother Paul.

Today's lay vote goes to Rob Roy (Sandown, 3.55).

ROBIN GOODFELLOW'S DOUBLE: Iris De Balme (Sandown, 3.20) and Koraleva Tectona (Leicester, nap, 5.35)

GIMCRACK'S DOUBLE: Monet's Garden (Sandown, nap, 2.40) and Spirit of Coniston (Ripon, 3.05)

CAPTAIN HEATH'S NAP: Medicine Path (Sandown, 3.55)

FORMCAST SPECIAL BET: Always Brave (Leicester, 5.35)

THE WIZARD: Or Jaune (Sandown, 2.10)

WORK WHISPER: Highland Legacy (Ripon, 3.40)

BURNT FINGERS: Vital Spark (Market Rasen, 2.20)

SUNDAY BEST BETS

BRIGHTON: 2.10 Brenin Taran; 2.40 Franksalot; 3.15 Punching; 3.50 Nanosecond; 4.25 Gracechurch; 4.55 Cape Velvet; 5.25 Cosmic Destiny.

LUDLOW: 2.00 Prime Contender; 2.30 Commemoration Day; 3.05 ATOMIC WINNER (nap); 3.40 Kew Jumper; 4.15 Lordsbridge; 4.45 Twenty Degrees (nb); 5.15 Grasscutter.

WETHERBY: 2.20 Smart John; 2.50 High Profit; 3.25 Painted Sky; 4.00 Silver Seeker; 4.35 Red O'Donnell; 5.00 Poseidon's Secret; 5.35 The Kealshore Kid.