Masar and William Buick on their way to glory in the Investec Derby. Picture: Racingfotos.com
Investec Derby winner Masar heads ten entries for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park on Saturday.
As expected, trainer Charlie Appleby supplemented his Classic-winning colt at a cost of £50,000 for the £790,625 showpiece on Monday, having been satisfied with his early-morning workout in the Adnams July Course at Newmarket on Saturday.
The past two Derby winners to have run in the Eclipse – Golden Horn in 2015 and Sea The Stars in 2009 – both followed up in the mile and a quarter contest. Masar is a general 5/4 to emulate them.
The handsome chestnut, who had previously finished third in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, could be joined in the line-up by five-year-old stablemate Hawkbill, exciting winner of the Coral-Eclipse in 2016.
Roaring Lion has finished behind Masar on three occasions this season but the John Gosden-trained colt, who also worked on the July Course at the weekend, is on course for a fourth crack at him.
The grey has finished two places behind Masar each time they have met this campaign – when third in the Craven Stakes, fifth in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas and, last time, when third in the Investec Derby.
However, on Saturday they will meet over a mile and a quarter for the first time – a distance which Roaring Lion seemed to enjoy when easily winning the Dante Stakes at York in May. He is a general 9/4.
Aidan O’Brien, seeking a record-equalling sixth Eclipse winner, has left five entries in at the five-day stage.
On Sunday, he hinted Happily, third in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas and subsequently also placed in the Irish equivalent and French Oaks, would be on duty for him. She is 6/1 third favourite with most firms.
His other quartet still engaged include Saxon Warrior, the QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner. He was fourth in the Investec Derby next time out and third in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh last Saturday.
Forest Ranger, winner of pattern races at Newmarket and Chester this term, is an intended runner for Richard Fahey, while Richard Hannon could be represented by Raymond Tusk, runner-up in a novice event at Newmarket last time after winning on his Newbury debut.
