Always forgive a horse a bad run -- or so the saying goes.

And what the race punters should forget when looking for the winner of the Coral Eurobet-Eclipse at Sandown tomorrow is last season's John Smith's Cup at York.

That handicap over 10 furlongs is the only real blot on the record of the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Medicean, who was sent off a hot favourite after his unlucky third in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

But he trailed home in 14th position and was certainly not helped by being drawn 21 of the 22 runners.

The rough nature of such a competitive handicap was also against him and that was also his first try on a turning track.

The notion that he did not stay the trip - his first try over further than a mile - can be safely dismissed and you can bet that his shrewd connections would not risk him over the distance again without being sure he will stay.

He has looked an improved performer this season, landing the Juddmonte Lockinge at Newbury on easy ground and putting up a terrific performance to follow up under a Group One penalty in the Queen Anne.

Fast ground suits him well, but any softening of the ground would not be too much of a worry and he is a much stronger, more race-wise individual this term.

Bahamian Pirate ran an eye-catching race at Newcastle last week and should be followed in the Listed Porcelanosa Sprint Stakes.

Last season's Ayr Gold Cup winner was repeatedly denied a clear run in a Group Three contest over six furlongs but was certainly flying at the end.

He has been campaigned in top company by David Nicholls since his victory in the big Scottish sprint and ran well in the Cork And Orrery at Ascot before his Newcastle run, also being hampered when starting to make headway.

Gracilis sluiced up at Pontefract last time and this progressive performer can complete a four-timer in the Theodore Goddard Handicap.

Alan Swinbank's four-year-old stormed right away from his field and was value for every inch of the eight lengths he had to spare over Rigadoon.

He had previously followed up a win on the all-weather by slamming Special Promise by four lengths and looks well capable of further improvement.

Paul Cole's horses are now running well and Inspector General, who bounced back to form last time, can land the opening Summer Carnival Handicap.

Takamaka Bay put up a tremendous performance in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes on his last start and can score again in the Tote Old Newton Cup at Haydock.

Prior to his success at the Royal meeting, he had seen off the well-regarded Faraway Look at the Lancashire course.

He improved again at Ascot, making progress turning for home and battling on in determined style to beat stable-mate Akbar.

Mark Johnston's Unfuwain colt has only raced six times in his career and is still open to plenty more improvement.