Who wins the Coral-Eclipse? Assessing the key contenders for a Sandown stunner

This Saturday's Coral-Eclipse (3.35 Sandown) is the big race of the weekend, with French raider Vadeni a warm favourite to land the Group 1 on his first race outside of France. Here we assess his claims, along with four other leading contenders . . .

Vadeni

Form 113-511

Strengths The ante-post favourite was supplemented for the race on Monday for £50,000. He routed Group 1 winners El Bodegon and Modern Games in the Prix du Jockey Club, winning by five lengths – the widest margin of victory in France's version of the Derby since 2000.

Weaknesses The three-year-old's credentials look solid, although the Irish Champion Stakes remains the long-term target and this will be his first run outside of France and against older horses.

Odds 6-4

What they say Georges Rimaud, racing and stud manager to the Aga Khan

"Everything is on track with Vadeni, who worked well this morning. It wasn't an extravagant piece of work because he is already in top form and didn't need anything too searching."

Native Trail

Form 11-121

Strengths After being beaten when sent off 5-4 favourite for the 2,000 Guineas, Native Trail bounced back impressively to win the Irish 2,000 Guineas. Stablemate Coroebus has since won the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, putting Native Trail's defeat at Newmarket into perspective.

Weaknesses Lost his unbeaten record at Newmarket and would prefer good ground, meaning trainer Charlie Appleby will have his eye on the weather forecast later this week.

Odds 100-30

What they say Charlie Appleby, trainer (after Irish 2,000 Guineas)

"I was delighted the rain didn't come. For a big horse and a horse of his action, I would always be more confident with a sounder surface for Native Trail."

Bay Bridge

Form 111-12

Strengths Looked seriously impressive when routing the field in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard at Sandown, finishing five lengths clear of Mostahdaf. Sir Michael Stoute was pleased with his performance in defeat at Royal Ascot.

Weaknesses Was one of the most talked about horses in the build-up to Royal Ascot but he could not reel in front-running winner State Of Rest in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. Afterwards, Stoute suggested a step up to a mile and a half might be on the cards.

Odds 7-2

What they say James Wigan, breeder and co-owner

"He's from a family of the Aga Khan's that does stay quite well and I'm sure he will get a mile and a half but I don't really see a need to extend him at the moment. He's run well enough at ten furlongs, I would have thought, to keep him at that."

Is the globetrotting Mishriff a forgotten horse?Credit: Francois Nel (Getty Images)

Mishriff

Form 3214-0

Strengths Was a stunning winner of the Juddmonte International at York last year, recording the fastest time since 2013 as he beat Alenquer by six lengths. Has won top prizes in four countries on turf and dirt.

Weaknesses The globetrotting five-year-old has not always been the most consistent and was last seen finishing 14th out of 14 in February's Saudi Cup in Riyadh. Has won only one Group 1 in Britain.

Odds 13-2

What they say Ted Voute, racing manager to owner Prince Faisal

"I think he might be going in as something of a forgotten horse, but I quite like that as it kind of takes the pressure off."

Alenquer was a Group 1 winner at the CurraghCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Alenquer

Form 29-161

Strengths William Haggas's stable is in fine form and Alenquer's victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh looks very strong – third place State Of Rest went on to win at Royal Ascot, beating Bay Bridge.

Weaknesses He will need to improve and was well beaten by Mishriff in last year's Juddmonte International.

Odds 7-1

What they say Tom Marquand, jockey

"The Coral-Eclipse is not an easy Group 1 by any means and being realistic he probably has to take another little step forward, not a leap, but there is no reason why he shouldn't. Sandown is a beautiful track and it will be fair ground as they do a great job there. It is a stiff ten furlongs and he has won his Group 1 over a stiff ten at the Curragh."

Coral-Eclipse (3.35 Sandown, Saturday)

Coral: 13-8 Vadeni, 7-2 Bay Bridge, Native Trail, 7 Mishriff, 15-2 Alenquer, 18 Lord North

2022 Coral-Eclipse offers

• Paddy Power are giving away free bets to new and existing customers, and all you need is an account. Sign up here.
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• bet365 have a new customer offer available. Sign up here.
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• If you're a new customer, Tote will give you a free bet. Sign up here to claim.

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