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The 2014 Eclipse Stakes: Preview and tips

Roar Pro
3rd July, 2014
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This weekend, at 12.50am Sunday (Australian time) at Sandown Park, England the 2014 Eclipse Stakes takes place. Run over at distance of 2000 metres, it’s open to all thoroughbreds three years and older.

The race was first run in 1886 and is named after the celebrated 18th century horse. Eclipse would go on to be a very important sire, nearly all current thoroughbreds can trace their line back to him.

It’s the first European Group 1 of the year, where the classic generation of three-year-olds take on the older horses.

Unfortunately, leading European three-year-old Australia will not be lining up. He had a bloodless victory in last weeks Irish Derby however Coolmore have deemed that he is due a rest.

The classic generation will be represented by 2000 guineas winner Night of Thunder. He has not been tested beyond a mile, however his dam is out of Galileo so he has stamina in his blood.

Epsom Derby second Kingston Hill takes his chance here but there will be concerns if the ground turns up too quick. Maybe the best chance of the three-year-olds could be War Command.

He is out of fashionable sire War Front and has ability having won last year’s Group 1 Dewhurst. He has stamina on both sides of the family and this distance should suit.

Leading the charge for the older horses is the favourite The Fugue. She is usually dependable having either won or been placed in 13 out of her 16 starts. But she has had of couple of flops in this year’s Dubai World Cup and in this race last year.

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I still expect her to be in the top three.

Mukhadram is an honest sort but will find this race too good for him, likewise Trading Leather. Verrazano is a horse on the up having ran second at Royal Ascot to Toronado. He is Grade 1 winner in America and looks appealing in this.

1) Verrazano
2 The Fugue
3) War Command

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