ROCK SOLID CLIFFS
CritiCs have already labelled this season’s Classic generation sub- standard but Barney roy, Eminent and most notably
CLIFFS OF MOHER (sandown, 3.35) have the opportunity to dispel that theory in today’s CoralEclipse stakes.
the primary evidence for damning investec Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher and his peers appears to be last weekend’s irish version, which produced a bunch finish with Epsom hero Wings Of Eagles narrowly beaten.
Quite how that can be used as a stick with which to beat the Derby is beyond me because Wings Of Eagles was so seriously injured in the latter contest that he was subsequently retired.
While there are few onlookers proclaiming this term’s three-year-olds are a vintage crop, it seems premature to be dismissing them out of hand and i don’t think we have seen the best of Cliffs Of Moher just yet. the son of Galileo was barely fit enough to do himself justice at Chester, yet still landed the Dee stakes with authority, before looking to have the Derby in safe keeping until the last 100 yards. While delighted to have landed his sixth Derby, there was a sense after the race that trainer Aidan O’Brien ( left) was disappointed Cliffs Of Moher had been beaten by a less fashionable stablemate, one with decidedly less appeal at stud. Perhaps the Ballydoyle operation have learned from Derby day by entering just two runners, including a pacemaker, in today’s feature, but this still won’t be a simple task for O’Brien’s No 1 hope.
Barney roy, winner of the st James’s Palace stakes, and Derby- fourth Eminent look strong contenders, even if the former is yet to prove his stamina at today’s trip. Decorated Knight and Ulysses, second and third to Highland reel at royal Ascot, will also be fancied by many as they boast good course form and should enjoy the ground.
However, both had hard races just over a fortnight ago and it appears significant that Cliffs Of Moher missed Ascot and has been trained specifically for today’s Group One prize.
trainer tom Dascombe boasts a terrific record in the North West and BROGAN (Haydock, nap, 5.00) could reward a wager in the seven-furlong fillies’ handicap. the nap shaped with promise over course and distance last time and is partnered by David Probert instead of stable jockey richard Kingscote.