Coral Eclipse Preview

Here are a few stats and trends to note when finalising your selection for Sandown’s feature event on Saturday.

Importance
Whilst all Group 1’s are a hugely important event in the Flat calendar, the Eclipse poses as the first real opportunity for the Classic horses to take on their elders in the highest company. Betfred Derby winner CITY OF TROY could meet with his stablemates Luxembourg and Continuous, both of whom are open-company winners at the top level. For the youngster City Of Troy, however, his future career potential is on the line in the eyes of a few. So will he prove to be the real deal?

How the race may shape up…
With City Of Troy dominating the market as the short-priced favourite, those who finished behind him in last month’s Betfred Derby might want a bit of revenge. How they reverse the form with a horse who destroyed the entire field is a big question mark but this is how I would expect the race to unfold.

Like it or not, Aidan O’Brien is likely to saddle multiple runners and that should ensure a truly run affair, as we witnessed in last weekend’s Irish Derby, won by Los Angeles. Luxembourg should he turn up and will certainly go forward as in his most recent performance at Epsom. Competition for the lead might not be as easy as first thought with Ghostwriter one I think will go forward. His fourth in this year’s Guineas followed by another close fourth in the French Derby will give his connections hope of staying the mile-and-a-quarter trip so if he went from the front, I would consider him as a solid each-way candidate.

Sandown’s wide straight should mean there aren’t many hard luck stories. I highly doubt Ryan Moore will find too much trouble aboard City Of Troy who I imagine, depending on the draw, will happily settle behind the leaders and make his move turning in to use his mount’s electric turn of foot and staying prowess.

How does City Of Troy get beat then?
Well, if City Of Troy turns up in the same mood as he did at Epsom, the rest will need a miracle. Yes, he flopped in the Guineas, but how he put daylight between himself and both Los Angeles and Ambiente Friendly last month proves he is the best in his division. If it turns into a sprint, it will suit. If it turns into a test of stamina, it will suit. However, this is just another horse race and stranger things have happened.

Verdict
City Of Troy – 1st
Luxembourg – 2nd
Ghostwriter - 3rd