Tomato out to eclipse rivals

Paul Cole’s Blue Tomato will return to action in the Group Three Prix Eclipse over six furlongs at Maisons-Laffitte tomorrow.

Beaten around two lengths by Byron in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, Dominique Boeuf’s mount had previously reeled off a hat-trick in maiden and nursery company in Britain.

Criquette Head’s progressive Villadolide, who is on a three-timer, is penalised 4lb for a previous Group win in the Prix d’Arenberg here last month.

Black Escort was a slightly disappointing last of the quartet in the Arenberg, but the filly was only beaten around a length and is now better off at the weights.

Bonaire enters the equation on the strength of his Prix de Cabourg second to Denebola at Deauville.

The well-regarded Chineur is the only maiden in the field. He finished a creditable second in the Prix Yacowlef on his debut and is open to further improvement.

He had Villadolide two places behind at Deauville, although the former has improved a lot since.

Ershaad may do best of the rest.