Coral-Eclipse 2011

3.10 Sandown

Coral-Eclipse (British Champions´ Series) (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo+) Winner £226,840

Confront: Smart miler who lost his way last year, but took advantage of dropping mark to land York handicap last time on seasonal debut; Used as pacemaker here.

So You Think: Australian sensation during 2009 and 2010 who won no less than five Group 1's down under, including Cox Plate (twice); Looked the real deal in two easy wins over average opposition at the Curragh on first two Euro starts, but beaten at 4/11 in Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, having been cut down late on by Rewilding; Many excuses offered since, especially trainer’s “admittal” that horse was not hard fit for the day, but will once again be tested here and has questions to answer despite being one to beat.

Sri Putra: Very talented and fairly very lightly raced colt who has an excellent level of form/consistency; Excelled himself when a fast closing second in this last year and ran similar race when third in Prince Of Wales’s Stakes latest; Should do same again.

Workforce:  Realized immense promise last year when breaking track record to win Derby by seven lengths, following up with tenacious Arc success at Longchamp at end of year; Made deeply impressive/encouraging comeback when only horse able to come from behind in soft ground Brigadier Gerard, giving 7lbs and a beating to useful field; That proves 10f no problem and serious contender.

Snow Fairy: Improved out of all recognition last season for step up to middle distances. Completing Oaks double in empathic style here before valiant second to Midday (btn 3 lengths) in Yorkshire Oaks; didn’t stay too well in St Ledger but completed remarkable Hong Kong double at backend of last season, beating top class fields on both occasions; Should go close but may need the run too badly to make real impact.

VERDICT: Another top class field in a season to savour. SO YOU THINK is given one more chance to show his true worth in top class company and is barely a betting proposition but he shouldn’t be too harshly judged based on his defeat last time. His main threat and the frank betting value in the race is Derby & Arc winner Workforce, who should offer strong resistance along with dual Oaks winner Snow Fairy.