Horseracing: See The Stars to prove elders are not necessarily betters

Published on Friday 3 July 2009 10:00

SEA THE STARS has already confirmed himself as the best colt of his generation and can take a first clash with his elders in the Coral-Eclipse within his stride.

Plenty was expected of this son of Cape Cross, being a half-brother to the brilliant Galileo, and he has proved to be every bit as good, winning the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket before allaying any stamina doubts in the Derby at Epsom.

Ominously for his rivals, it could be that this mile and a quarter is actually his optimum trip, and the lightning-fast conditions at Sandown should also play to his strengths.

Last year's St Leger and Breeders' Cup Turf winner Conduit could provide most resistance, but it is hard to see him having the same turn of foot as John Oxx's brilliant charge.

Derby winners admittedly do not have a good record in recent renewals of the Eclipse, but none of them had previously shown enough speed to win a Guineas. Sea The Stars really does look every inch a superstar.

The sprinters take centre stage in the Coral Charge and it is worth taking a chance on Cumani's Greek import Ialysos to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Royal Ascot.

The five-year-old was simply untouchable in his native land and, although the opposition he faced there is probably questionable, some of the times he turned in over the minimum distance show he is certainly no slouch.

High Heeled ran a mighty race to finish third in the Oaks at Epsom and a slight drop in class should see Barry Hills' filly regain her winning thread at Haydock in the bet365 Lancashire Oaks.