One of the biggest Group 1s on the UK horse racing schedule takes place this weekend, as the Coral-Eclipse is the feature at Sandown on Saturday. All eyes will be on one of the star’s of the season, as Aidan O’Brien’s City of Troy makes his anticipated return to the action.
The Coral-Eclipse is one of the standout races on the summer schedule in the UK, with the field set to compete over a distance of a mile and a furlong at Sandown. This race has been staged annually since 1886, and there will be a purse of £750,000 up for grabs. The race typically sees Classic winners enter open-age company, with the most recent Classic victor in the Coral-Eclipse being Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Paddington in 2023.
Aidan O’Brien could hold the strongest hand once again this year, as he is set to unleash City of Troy. The three-year-old made his return to the track when finishing a disappointing ninth in the G1 2,000 Guineas. However, a major step forward was taken on his following start, powering to G1 Derby success by over two lengths from Ambiente Friendly at Epsom Downs.
White Birch will not be involved this weekend, meaning that there is a serious lack of opposition to the Derby winner. Dancing Gemini will re-oppose City of Troy, but the Roger Teal runner was well beaten by the market leader when finishing sixth in the Derby at the start of June.
Ghostwriter could be a solid selection to compete the places this weekend for trainer Clive Cox. The three-year-old was fourth in the G1 2,000 Guineas in May, before stepping up in trip to finish a solid fourth on very heavy ground at Chantilly in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club. Very much one to note this weekend.
This is one of the most prestigious races of the season in the UK, but it has attracted a slightly underwhelming field. City of Troy is clear on ratings, and he should win the Eclipse very comfortably at Sandown if at his best.
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