Conduit's chance to eclipse Sea The Stars

Published on Monday 29 June 2009 22:47

SPONSORS Coral make Sea The Stars their even-money favourite to win Saturday's Eclipse ahead of 3-1 next best Conduit.

"We're thrilled that this year's Coral-Eclipse looks set to feature a mouth-watering clash of the generations, with hot favourite Sea The Stars facing a host of talented rivals as he bids to emulate Nashwan by completing the Guineas-Derby-Eclipse treble," said Coral's David Stevens.

Sea The Stars heads a high-class field of 14 possible runners after skipping Sunday's Irish Derby at the Curragh.

Sea The Stars' main opposition could come from fellow- Classic winner Conduit, who landed the St Leger before dropping back to a mile-and-a-half to strike in the Breeders' Cup Turf. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, he may be joined by stablemate Lang Shining, who also runs in the Ballymacoll Stud silks.

Cima De Triomphe, conqueror of Conduit in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown, may take him on again for Luca Cumani.

International interest comes from Mike de Kock's Archipenko, a Group 1 winner at Sha Tin. Aidan O'Brien is strongly represented, with Rip Van Winkle looking like his No 1 contender. Malibu Bay, Set Sail and Westphalia could also represent Ballydoyle.

Hamilton Park's inaugural Question of Sport day gets underway today at 2.15pm with an eight-strong race card, thanks to a special request from the BHA.

The BHA asked the Lanarkshire track to stage an eighth race to give further opportunities for maidens of three or four years old to combat the shortage of such races.