The Fugue To Eclipse Rivals At Sandown

John Gosden is having a tremendous season so far and at Sandown this coming Saturday, his superstar mare The Fugue, bids for back to back Group 1 victories in the Coral Eclipse.

She was breath-taking at the Royal meeting at Ascot a couple of weeks back, and if she can reproduce that form, she is the one they all have to beat.

However it is far from a one horse race like the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was last Saturday evening. Night of Thunder, second favourite at 3/1, represents the classic generation, and with the 2000 Guineas already to his name, he cannot be underestimated stepping up to a mile and a quarter for the first time.

Verrazano, who will most probably have Ryan Moore in the saddle, is still bidding for his first victory since moving under the care of Aidan O’Brien. The faster the ground the better his chances will be and he is already proving popular at 4/1.

True Story – the main hope for Goldolphin at 12/1 – side-stepped the Irish Derby; connections feeling they missed their chance with the ground turning up good to firm for the Irish Classic. To my eyes he didn’t stay the trip; Epsom and stepping back a couple of furlongs should suit.

Leon Blanche, Head of Communications at Boylesports said: “William Buick was quite emotional after The Fugue’s victory at Royal Ascot. He has always held her in high esteem, and if she can win on Saturday, it would go a long way to strengthening his boss’ grip on the trainers title.”

He added: “Verrazano and War Command represent the master of Ballydoyle. It would be no surprise to see either in the winner’s enclosure come Saturday afternoon.”