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The Eclipse Stakes at Sandown is one of the leading middle distances races of the season in Europe. It is often the first chance for the leading three-year-olds to take on the older generation over 1m2f.
This year’s Group One contest has attracted a strong field once again, with three Derby winners all having entries, including this year’s Epsom hero August Rodin.
Emily Upjohn The Favourite to Add to Coronation Cup Success
Talented filly Emily Upjohn has won back-to-back Group One races in her last couple of assignments on the track. She was successful in the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot last October, while more recently, she excelled in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.
Emily Upjohn and @FrankieDettori are brilliant in the Coronation Cup! pic.twitter.com/6uIgHmZD07
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 2, 2023
John and Thady Gosden’s runner is the 9/4 favourite in the bet on horses online market for the Eclipse Stakes. She was victorious over the same course and distance in 2021, so she will be very familiar with the Esher-based racecourse.
Emily Upjohn is expected to be partnered by Frankie Dettori again at Sandown. It is turning out to be a fantastic final season in the saddle for the Italian jockey before he retires. He has already been successful in two of the four British Classics, with wins coming in the 2,000 Guineas and the Oaks at Epsom.
Adayar Bidding to Build on Good Start to Season
The 2021 Derby winner, Adayar, is another horse who has made a strong start to the campaign heading into the Eclipse Stakes. He was victorious in the Group Three Gordon Richards Stakes at Newmarket back in May.
Last season was a frustrating one for trainer Charlie Appleby when it came to his son of Frankel. He appeared just twice across the campaign due to a setback earlier in the season. The Godolphin runner prevailed at Doncaster on his comeback run, while on British Champions Day, he finished a close second behind Bay Bridge, a horse he will renew his rivalry with at Sandown.
Appleby has two horses entered in the Eclipse, with Highland Avenue set to be saddled in the race along with his stablemate.
Auguste Rodin May Get the Chance to Test Himself Against Older Generation
Aidan O’Brien prevailed in the Derby for the ninth time when Auguste Rodin won the Epsom feature, showcasing why he has been so highly regarded by his connections since his two-year-old campaign on the track.
Auguste Rodin was disappointing in his first attempt at a British Classic when he came home down the field in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. O’Brien was able to get him back to his best at Epsom where he showed his class once again.
Along with Adyar and Desert Crown, Auguste Rodin will be one of the last three Derby winners to feature in the Eclipse this year. With the weight allocation for three-year-olds, he will be receiving weight from both of those horses.
The 2023 Eclipse Stakes takes place on the 8th of July and those involved will be looking to follow last year’s winner Vadeni on the roll of honour at Sandown.
Michael specializes in journalism, digital content production and social media management. He has a passion for numerous sports including football, horse racing and ice hockey. Michael currently works on a freelance basis, producing daily content for various outlets within the sports industry.
