White Birch team elect to play it safe and swerve Eclipse

Aidan O'Brien has kept the door open for Ryan Moore to ride Delacroix, as he confirmed both the beaten Derby favourite and winner of the French equivalent, Camille Pissarro, would head to Sandown

GALLENT EFFORT: White Birch made an encouraging start to the season when chasing home Los Angeles at the Curragh at the start of May.  Picture: Healy Racing

White Birch will be a notable absentee from a stellar Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday on account of anticipated fast conditions.

John Joseph Murphy's star performer was one of 11 confirmed for the Esher track's summer highlight on Monday, but connections have now decided not to make the trip from Ireland while the weather refuses to break.