Eclipse sponsors think it’s all Over
The Warren Place maestro has trained Wolver Hollow (1969), Wollow (1976) and Gunner B (1978) to win the famous Sandown contest, and this year’s representative appears to have outstanding claims.
Last year’s Champion Stakes winner had to go down as a slightly unlucky loser when a narrow second in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, and Coral’s David Stevens is relishing a weekend clash with Dubai Sheema Classic heroine Dar Re Mi – ground permitting.
“Saturday’s race, the 35th running of the Eclipse under Coral’s sponsorship, promises to be a fascinating battle of the sexes, with the betting headed by two proven Group One performers,” said Stevens.
“Twice Over’s recent Royal Ascot second to Byword makes him a worthy favourite, but the presence of Dar Re Mi should ensure Henry Cecil’s horse doesn’t have things all his own way.”
While Twice Over performed with a huge amount of credit at Royal Ascot, the Marcus Tregoning-trained Mawatheeq ran no sort of race in the same contest.
Injury earlier in the year meant that was the five-year-old’s first start of the campaign, however, and his trainer expects a better showing this weekend.
“He seems in good form and all being well he’ll run on Saturday,” said Tregoning.
“Everything has gone well since Ascot. I wasn’t too disappointed with him as there was always a danger it might come a couple of weeks too soon for him and that proved to be the case.
“Hopefully he has improved since then and he’ll put up a better performance this weekend.
“He’s a proper 10-furlong, mile-and-a-half horse and because of the injury he had in the winter we have just had a late start with him.
“In fairness he disappointed first time out last season and then went on to thrive for the rest of the year, so hopefully he can do the same again.”
A total of 13 horses remain in the weekend highlight with Aidan O’Brien leaving in six as he searches for a fifth success in the Esher showpiece.
Royal Ascot disappointment Steinbeck could be joined by Ballydoyle stablemates Beethoven, Bright Horizon, Encompassing, Fencing Master and Viscount Nelson.
Jukebox Jury, Sri Putra, Zacinto and Chabal complete the list.
Coral-Eclipse, sponsors bet: 9-4 Twice Over, 11-4 Dar Re Mi, 4-1 Zacinto, 8-1 Viscount Nelson, 8-1 Mawatheeq, 9-1 Steinbeck, 12-1 Beethoven, 16-1 Chabal, 20-1 Fencing Master, 20-1 Jukebox Jury, 40-1 Sri Putra, 150-1 Bright Horizon, 150-1 Encompassing.
