An analysis of the Eclipse by our latest columnist, The Tout

The Eclipse is a Group One race named after one of the great thoroughbreds that we have ever seen in this country. It is a key event in establishing the reputation of any good horse and is run over a mile and a quarter for three year olds and upwards. The distance is perceived to be an ideal step between speed and staying power and it is generally the fist valid weight for age event in the calendar. Weight for age is the weight allowance that a three year old gets from a four year old but this year the field consists of older horses.

Frankie Dettori winning the Gold Cup on Colour Vision at Ascot 2012
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We have had a lot of rain this week and with more to come please bear that in mind on Saturday when making your selections. Sandown is a stiff track so you will need a performer who is proven on a softer surface and one who will stay the trip.

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The Tout’s take on the July Cup After last week’s triumph when we had the first three horses home in the correct order in The Eclipse at Sandown, we must not be too self congratulatory as racing has a habit of paying you back but it was a great way to launch our first […]

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The Tout’s tips for The Open Golf at Royal Lytham and St Annes In this column there is no room for self congratulatory style comments, vanity or hindsight as there is surely a bad run around the corner but following on from our triumph in The Eclipse we went on to nominate Mayson in […]

Frankie rides Farhh who is a progressive horse and the proven performers with a realistic chance are Nathaniel who won last year’s King George at Ascot and Monterosso the winner of the $6 million Dubai World Cup in March. The great Australian import, So You Think, who has won numerous Group One contests and over £4,000,000 in prize money including The Prince of Wales Stakes at The Royal Meeting last month now looks to be a non runner in what would have been his final race prior to retiring to Australia to take up stud duties. Nathaniel who is running for the bang in form John Gosden yard and named after his owner Nat Rothschild should win if he is match fit for his first start of the year. A longer shot may be Twice Over for Sir Henry Cecil but he appears to be running for a place. This race never disappoints and this year there is yet another very competitive field.

In summary, the finish should be as follows with Nathaniel the winner and Frankie a fast finishing second on Farhh with Twice Over staying on for third.

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Good luck to all the followers of The Steeple Times!

The Tout.