Eclipse – Punters latch on to Derby fourth Eminent for Saturday’s big race after top jockey Silvestre de Sousa lands ride
Martyn Meade stable star Eminent is a big gamble for this weekend's Sandown Group 1 as regular rider Jim Crowley is jocked off in favour of title leader Silvestre De Sousa
PUNTERS are backing Eminent to turn their Silv into gold in the Eclipse.
They clearly reckon trainer Martyn Meade has made the right call to axe Jim Crowley in favour of Silvestre De Sousa just days before Saturday’s big race at Sandown.
De Sousa has been in fabulous form in recent weeks and is a whopping 22 winners clear in the jockeys’ title race.
Meade said: “We felt the time was right for a change.
“Silvestre has been firing in the winners. We believe he is the right man for the job at Sandown.”
Punters believe that too and Eminent has been cut from 5-1 to 4-1 to win the one-mile-two-furlong thriller when this year’s Classic crop meet older horses for the first time.
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The ride on Eminent is big chance for De Sousa to grab his first Group 1 win since 50-1 Arabian Queen won the Juddmonte two years ago when the Brazilian ace was crowned champion jockey.
He said: “I am delighted to get the ride on Eminent. He is a lovely horse.
“The Eclipse looks the perfect race for him. The track and the trip will suit well.”
Eminent has been burning up the gallops since a fine fourth in the Derby.
Meade added: “He is in great form. This will only be the fifth race of his career and I am convinced he has a big Group 1 win in him.”
Crowley, who had ridden Eminent in all his races so far, could yet come back to haunt Meade as he is booked to ride Ulysses for Sir Michael Stoute.
The four-year-old was last seen chasing home Highland Reel in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Ryan Moore will ride Cliffs Of Moher who is sure to start favourite.
He was cut from 11-4 to 9-4 after sustained support yesterday.
Aidan O’Brien said: “This is a big week for the colt.
“We have been happy with him since Epsom.”