READY TO ROAR

ROARING LION can profit from Masar’s late shock exit to lift the Coral-eclipse (2.10, ITV) at Sandown.

The Group 1 inter-generational clash has been blown apart by the news Masar will be missing from the line-up – the Derby hero banged a leg in exercise yesterday – but backers of Roaring Lion won’t complain.

John Gosden’s colt finished fifth behind Saxon Warrior in the 2,000 Guineas in May.

But, having landed York’s Dante Stakes by four and a half lengths on his next start, he beat that opponent when the pair came home third and fourth behind Masar at Epsom five weeks ago.

The way Oisin Murphy’s mount travelled suggests 10 furlongs will be right up his street – and Gosden (left) immediately nominated the Eclipse as Roaring Lion’s next assignment.

Previously raw Roaring Lion is now becoming the finished article and can give his jockey a first British Group 1 win.

Saxon Warrior’s presence in the