Constitution River has been made a strong favourite for Saturday’s Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. The French Derby winner heads the betting among a potential field of nine runners. One of his owners, John Magnier, has become the latest well-known racing figure to criticise changes made to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Tuesday.
Constitution River leads nine in Coral-Eclipse
Prix du Jockey Club hero Constitution River is the clear favourite for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. The 1m2f Group 1 headlines the racing action this Saturday. Nine confirmations were made for the race, with the French Derby winner quickly appearing as the market leader. Trainer Aidan O’Brien has urged patience from his backers though, stating “it will be the middle of the week before we decide” whether he and/or stablemate Hawk Mountain contest the race. (Racing Post)
Magnier against geldings in the Arc
Coolmore head John Magnier is the latest racing figure to outwardly oppose recent changes made to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Geldings will be allowed to compete for Europe’s middle distance crown from 2027 onwards. The move will allow horses such as Calandagan and Goliath to run. However, Magnier said that: “the Arc is one of the real races” and that “most of the purists would be against” the changes to the race. (At The Races)
Burrows to drop Raaheeb in trip
Owen Burrows remains confident that Raaheeb can develop into a stable star. The full brother to exceptional siblings Baaeed and Hukum was fourth in the Irish Derby on Sunday. That did ensure he was the first home trained by someone other than Aidan O’Brien, though he never managed to get competitive. His jockey Rossa Ryan suggested that Raaheeb did not stay the trip, with Burrows planning a campaign from the autumn. (Sporting Life)
Oaks double remains the aim for Thundering On
Another disappointment from the Curragh’s Irish Derby weekend was Thundering On. The comfortable Epsom Oaks winner was found wanting in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes over the shorter distance of 1m2f. She could finish only fourth behind Estrange, though was reported to have coughed after the race. Joseph O’Brien has reported that she has been well at home since though, with the Irish Oaks the aim now in mid July. (Racing TV)
Unbeaten sprinter could return in July Cup
An unbeaten sprinter could be a wildcard runner in the Group 1 July Cup next month. Lifeplan won both of his starts at two for trainer Declan Carroll. The son of Kodi Bear landed the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York in the second of those. However, that victory last August remains his last racecourse appearance. Carroll has said that he “hasn’t had a clear run with him” due to various ailments. Either the July Cup, or a race at York’s Ebor meeting, will be next. (Racing Post)