Conduit a very strong each-way alternative to Sea The Stars

Whether or not the fast pace and resulting stamina test of last weekend’s Irish Derby at The Curragh would have suited Sea The Stars will remain pure conjecture, but there are no such concerns regarding the pace in today’s ten-furlong Group 1 Coral Eclipse at Sandown.

Although the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby winner has never actually raced over this distance, it’s widely anticipated that this could prove his optimum trip and, if the bookmakers’ prices are to be taken literally, anything less that a victory will be a real shock.

The colt has done nothing wrong this season and whether this turns into a dawdle or an all-out gallop, Sea The Stars should have the armoury to deal with the situation. He is a worthy favourite but punters should not underestimate the extent of the task he faces in tackling older horses for the first time.