Herbert: Motivator has speed for Eclipse

Motivator has the speed to join racing legends such as Mill Reef and Nashwan by adding the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on Saturday to his victory in the Vodafone Derby.

That is the view of Harry Herbert, racing manager for the 230-strong Royal Ascot Racing Club, who own the unbeaten son of Montjeu.

The brilliant five-length Epsom hero will be tackling older horses for the first time – as well as Shamardal, winner of the French 2000 Guineas, French Derby and St James’s Palace Stakes – as he bids to take his 100% record to five for trainer Michael Bell.

“I’ve spoken to a few trainers who have been astonished that we’ve gone down this route,” said Herbert.

“I think he is a very, very special horse and I think that even the most hardened of pundits would be hard pressed to say that we didn’t see something special.

“He has always looked like a horse who has plenty of speed, which is why we’re going for the Eclipse.

“Perhaps if Motivator had won the Derby in the style of a real staying horse then the Coral-Eclipse probably wouldn’t have crossed our minds.

“But Michael always said that he had gears and here we are, with a chance to join the likes of Mill Reef and Nashwan, who completed the double.”

Ten horses stood their ground for the 10-furlong Group One showpiece yesterday.