Meehan confirms Junior plan

Brian Meehan has issued an upbeat bulletin ahead of David Junior’s tilt at the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.

The four-year-old, winner of the Champion Stakes at Newmarket last term, had drifted on the betting exchanges this morning and the sponsors suspended their market on the 10-furlong showpiece in response.

However, Meehan has confirmed all is well with the Pleasant Tap colt ahead of his big-race date in the Group One contest.

“The horse is fine, he’s in very good form, and we’re very much looking forward to Saturday,” the Manton handler said.

“He’s absolutely fine and Jamie Spencer will take the ride, I presume.”

David Junior, who took the valuable Dubai Duty Free at Nad Al Sheba in March before finishing fourth behind Ouija Board at Royal Ascot, had been the ante-post favourite for the race.

However, William Hill now go 2-1 from 6-4 about his chances while Ouija Board has been well supported into 11-8 favouritism.

Coral-Eclipse Stakes, William Hill bet: 11-8 Ouija Board, 2-1 David Junior, 6-1 Aussie Rules, 7-1 Notnowcato, 15-2 Blue Monday, 12-1 Ace, 14-1 Snoqualmie Boy, 16-1 Notable Guest, 33-1 Yasoodd, 50-1 Hattan, Hurricane Cat, Royal Alchemist, 100-1 Arabian Prince.