French Derby winner Constitution River was among nine confirmed runners for the Coral-Eclipse as Aidan O’Brien looks to extend his record in the race to 10. The Ballydoyle handler first won the contest in 2000 with Giant’s Causeway. He’s won the race the last three year with Paddington, City of Troy and Delacroix.
Constitution River is unbeaten in four since his short head defeat on debut. Having skipped Epsom after his Chester success, he gamely landed the French Derby from stall 15. From the family of Arc winner Wonderful Tonight, he’s yet another star in the making for Aidan O’Brien.
Causeway has been a rapid improver this season, initially taking the Paddington route into Group 1 company, who won this in 2023. Reminiscent of the ‘iron horse’ himself, he again displayed courage to land the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last time out.
French Derby runner up Hawk Mountain was also confirmed. The Group 1 Futurity winner looks a winner in waiting again at the top level after his Chantilly second. Flushing Meadows is the fourth and final Ballydoyle entrant, who is likely set for pace-making duties.
Gethin is the main British hope after his fine second to Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard. He’s rated just 2lbs below Constitution River, and after Ombudsman franked his form, he’s of major interest. He was, however, receiving 7lbs from Ombudsman who was having a prep race, but he looks to be improving himself.
King’s Gambit supplemented to increase Coral-Eclipse field
The supplementary confirmation in the Coral-Eclipse is King’s Gambit, who looks set for pacemaking duties himself. The topic of pacemakers has become increasingly prominent in recent months as to whether it contributes to team tactics. It was fascinating to see Devil’s Advocate and Mississippi River take each other on in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, which ultimately led to a devastating performance from Ombudsman. A frantic early pace looks likely here, which will suit Arc-bound Gethin.
A Boy Named Susie represents the Donnacha O’Brien yard, as he attempts to topple his fathers quartet. He’s yet to finish out of the frame in seven starts, with some strong form in the book. He was second to Derby winner Christmas Day as a two year old, before second again in the Criterium. His fourth in the French Derby was a respectable one, but he ideally would prefer ease in the going.
Saddadd renews his rivalry with Gethin, who beat him three lengths in a Novice last season. He landed the Gordon Richards Stakes over course and distance, and isn’t all that far away on ratings.