Sandown tips: A Boy Named Susie fancied to upset Constitution River in Eclipse clash | Racing News

All eyes will be on Sandown on Saturday afternoon when French Derby hero Constitution River goes in search of Coral-Eclipse success.

After storming home to strike at Chester, Aidan O’Brien’s charge was handed a woeful draw in stall 15 but still took top honours for Aidan O’Brien, beating stablemate Hawk Mountain.

The pair return for Sandown’s premier Group 1 contest this weekend and will be rivalled by Gethin, who was only a neck behind the world’s best horse Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard at this venue recently.

After his third in the Tattersall’s Gold Cup, Saddadd looks to go two better for Roger Varian while A Boy Named Susie flies the flag for Donnacha O’Brien. King’s Gambit and Flushing Meadows complete the field and will likely try to set the race up tactically for their Wathnan and Ballydoyle counterparts.

Declan Rix

“I just don’t agree with the market and think the favourite is too short. There were only four lengths between A Boy Named Susie and Constitution River in the Prix du Jockey Club, so it wouldn’t be impossible for this form to be reversed – given what’s happened.

“The Coolmore gang got a breather around five furlongs from home [at Chantilly] and A Boy Named Susie got too far behind, but came home flying. He was quicker over the final three furlongs than the opposing rivals here and the smaller field means he won’t be as far behind.”

Kate Tracey

“Can any horse in this race win a Prix du Jockey Club from stall 15? No. That’s exactly what Constitution River did last time, and he will surely be the one to beat here. He showed such a gritty attitude to outbattle his stable companions last time.

“They had to dictate the race due to him being draw in a bad position the last day and he returns to emulate St Mark’s Basilica – who won this for Aidan O’Brien. This horse looks to make it 10 wins in the race for the master trainer.”

Sam Boswell

“I like the favourite Constitution River here and on paper he has only been beaten once. He has improved with every start and the form from the Vase at Chester has been franked, with a Royal Ascot victor back in second. He’s been facile in his starts this year.

“Given the way the race will play out, I think he will get the run of the race and be able to stalk the two pacemakers and pounce late. He has got a great chance of showing how good he is.”

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