O’Brien puts 17 in line for Eclipse

GEORGE WASHINGTON could take his chance in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on July 8 as he appears as one of a massive entry of 17 from Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle yard.

Ed Dunlop’s globe-trotting mare Ouija Board and Godolphin’s Dubai World Cup winner Electrocutionist top the initial 63 entries.

Dunlop’s five-year-old was last seen when a fast finishing third in the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin, a performance that proved she had retained all of her ability.

Electrocutionist ground out his victory at Nad Al Sheeba and he will be looking to build on his only start in Britain to date when he won the Group One Juddmonte International at York.

He is one of 12 entries for Godolphin who also have Proclamation and Shawanda engaged.

David Junior could also appear after he confirmed the promise of his Champion Stakes win at Newmarket last October with an authoritative performance in the Dubai Duty Free.

Stan James 2000 Guineas winner Sir Percy, runner-up in the Guineas, is also a possible for Marcus Tregoning while Day Flight, Rob Roy and Leningrad are other interesting entries.

Meanwhile, Hala Bek is to go on trial for the Vodafone Derby in the totesport Dante Stakes at York next Thursday.

The Michael Jarvis-trained colt won his only start to date when he landed a Newbury maiden in good style last month.

The son of Halling was well-supported in the betting for the blue riband on Wednesday with Coral and Ladbrokes cutting his premier Classic odds to 10-1 from 14-1 while Stan James go the same price from 16-1.