Coral Eclipse Preview

A small but high quality renewal of the Coral Eclipse with last year’s Derby winner Workforce taking on Aiden O’Brien’s So You Think. Run over 10 furlongs, it has been won by some excellent horses, including Sea The Stars in 2009. These are the runners declared for Saturday:

1. Confront: 200/1
Well beaten every time he has raced at ten furlongs or further. He won a handicap on his seasonal reappearance but needs to improve again. His 2009 form would give him place hopes if he can get back to that level. It is a big if.

2. So You Think: Evens
Aiden O’Brien blamed himself for the defeat in the Prince of Wales, suggesting the horse was “not fit enough”. The import from Australia lost nothing in defeat and showed all his battling qualities. Conditions looks ideal and bound to run a big race.

3. Sri Putra: 33/1
Always falls short at the top level but still capable of smart form. Third in the Prince of Wales and runner up in the Eclipse last year. Could sneak a place if others run below par.

4. Workforce: 7/4
Last year’s Derby and Arc winner, he is nothing other than a top class horse. The question mark is over the ground. The general feeling is that he is better suited with cut, and Sandown is drying out by the hour. He did win his Derby on firm ground however.

5. Snow Fairy: 9/1
The top middle distance filly in Europe, she had a fabulous 2010 winning four Group Ones. Winner of the Hong Kong cup her form is solid. Has won on her seasonal reappearance before.