Matt Chapman gives his thoughts on the Coral-Eclipse, his day of silence for charity and Ryan Moore
Don't miss Matt Chapman's latest column as he talks all about the Classic generation ahead of the Coral-Eclipse, The Voice Of Racing day and Ryan Moore.
HOW good is the Classic generation? Today we find out live on ITV. Don’t miss it!
That’s the beauty of the Coral Eclipse at Sandown, a race which has served up some of the great clashes of the generations since it was first run in 1886.
Eclipse, incidentally, was an undefeated 18th century thoroughbred who won 18 races and later became a very successful sire. He was named after being foaled during the solar eclipse of April 1, 1764, and that’s no joke!
None of today’s runners have an unblemished record, but it’s still a race to savour, with the Derby runner—up Cliffs of Moher going head to head with St James’s Palace Stakes victor Barney Roy.
As well as the generation’s coming together, it’s that kind of smash up – between Group 1 3YO’s stepping up and dropping back in trip – which makes the Eclipse so special.
Derby form holds up well in the Eclipse, so Cliffs of Moher is a potent threat to all.
Although Reference Point was beaten by Mtoto back in the late 1980’s, in recent times Golden Horn did the Derby-Eclipse double in 2015, as did Sea the Stars and Nashwan, while Cliffs Of Moher must emulate Dancing Brave, who in 1986 finished an unlucky second at Epsom before destroying Triptych and Teleprompter at Sandown.
Barney Roy is a rare St James’s Palace Stakes winner to head to Sandown, although the ‘Iron’ horse Giant’s Causeway did the double in 2000.
I was lucky enough to book Darryll Holland to ride Falbrav to land the 2003 Eclipse, and that was a race that taught me how key the draw is even over a mile and a quarter at Sandown. Falbrav was near the rail and slotted in perfectly behind rival pacemakers – he was a monster for Luca Cumani. We got him because Kieren Fallon was snapped up by Sir Michael Stoute for Islington.
Ratings are not always an exact science, but it’s worth pointing out Barney Roy is officially a 3lb better horse than Cliffs of Moher, who is only considered 1lb superior to Eminent, trained by Martyn Meade.
The latter, a Frankel offspring, might just be the joker in the pack, with Silvestre de Sousa handed the ride in place of Jim Crowley.
Eminent was only beaten a length and three quarters in the Derby – when not getting the clearest of runs – and this trip might just be ideal being out of a Kingmambo mare.
The Craven winner has ground to make up on Barney Roy from the 2000 Guineas, but he was still beaten less than four lengths by Churchill, and I’m sure he didn’t produce his best that day. The Sandown hill is made for Eminent and he might get first run on a few of these with a change of tactics likely.
I’m hoping Eminent proves good enough to deny the super powers of Coolmore and Godolphin.
Just over a week ago, I was silenced in aid of charity. The Voice of Racing day on Attheraces proved a success with at least £30,000 raised for charity, including Racing Welfare, The Irish Injured Jockeys’ Fund, IJF and Sir Peter O’Sullevan Trust.
I just played a small part, and all I had to do was say nothing for the cash to come flooding in! That’s not an ideal situation for a TV presenter – but hey people are going to benefit so it’s all good. I’m happy to keep quiet again if you fancy donating some cash!
Ryan Moore goes into today’s Coral-Eclipse having bagged a 2000th winner at Kempton on Wednesday.
It’s fair to say Ryan won’t be booking a table at The Ivy to celebrate the success, indeed he won’t even be opting for a slap up take away.
Riding 2000 winners means little to Moore, who just wants to bag the feature prizes. To do that he needs to ride in lesser events to maintain sharpness and fitness. It’s just the way it is in sport. Practise makes perfect.
That said, Moore’s talent puts him right up there with the great jockeys. Some might say he will never be a Lester Piggott or Pat Eddery. But he’s arguably the world’s best jockey right now, and while his character might not be everyone’s cup of tea if you do ever get the chance to grab a few minutes with him he’s a real good sport.
Only at Windsor the other day he went crazy at me for not dressing smartly enough. Moore sets the standards high!