Coral Eclipse Stakes Betting Preview

So You Think was sent off the 4/5 favourite when winning the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot just a fortnight ago and Aiden O’Brien’s crack middle distance star is likely to start at similar odds on Saturday July 7 for the Group One Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park.

The race is regarded as one of the most prestigious open age contests in the British flat season and victory for the six-year-old would complete a highly notable and impressive quick fire double.

So You Think faced a top quality field at Ascot and it seemed as if the odds-on SP was a little too flattering prior to the off.

But under the superb guidance of Joseph O’Brien, So You Think travelled like a dream, tracking Carlton House until the two furlong post before asserting with authority and style.

And assuming the horse has come out of that race well, few will put it past him completing the swift turnaround at Sandown which should play to his strengths.

Godolphin’s Farhh is currently second favourite in the ante-post betting and definitely warrants a close look after being supplemented for the race by Saeed Bin Suroor and connections.

Third in the Prince of Wales, Farhh wasn’t that far away from So You Think considering he had a terrible break out of the stalls.

The four-year-old has been one of the major improvers this campaign after rising up through the handicap ranks and can certainly be in the shake up with Frankie Dettori once again in the saddle.

Nevertheless, it may be asking a little too much of him to find three-and-a-quarter lengths with So You Think who could improve further still.

Carlton House is set to re-oppose also after separating So You Think and Farhh at Ascot but Michael Stoute’s charge is firmly in the same boat as the latter with two-and-a-quarter lengths to find.

Imperial Monarch may be Aiden O’ Brien’s clear second string but he could be the dark horse of the race and a live chance based on his early season form.

The three-year-old returned to action when winning the Group Three Classic Trial over course and distance back at the end of April before finishing a somewhat unlucky eighth in a severely run Prix Du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

After being held up in rear, Imperial Monarch found himself boxed in and had to veer drastically wide to launch a challenge.

And despite being knocked well out of contention, the horse managed to flash home in eye-catching fashion with the line eventually coming a100 yards too soon.

Interestingly, Aiden O’Brien decided to swerve the Irish Derby with Imperial Monarch in favour of an entry in the Eclipse – evidently believing that Sandown could be much more up his street with a fast pace virtually guaranteed.

Twice Over and Excelebration are others for the shortlist due to their previous Group One exploits, both of which will also seek to arrive on the scene late in the day off a testing gallop.

And Dubai World Cup winner Monterosso is another who merits respect and could be a danger if able to reproduce that performance back on turf.

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02/07/2012     © Frixo 2024