Richard Hannon confident Barney Roy can relish Coral Eclipse step up in trip at Sandown
The Sandown Group One, which traditionally provides three-year-olds with their first chance to take on their elders at the top level, will be a test of Barney Roy's stamina.
RICHARD HANNON is confident the step up in trip will hold no fears for Barney Roy in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday.
The Excelebration colt has won three of his four starts to date, but has yet to venture further than a mile.
He was narrowly denied Classic glory by Churchill in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May, but reversed that form when landing the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot almost three weeks ago.
The Godolphin-owned youngster tests his powers over a mile and a quarter for the first time in this weekend's feature event and Hannon is hopeful he will not be beaten for a lack of stamina.
"He's been in great form since Ascot. He came out of the race very well and very fresh," said the trainer.
"He did a piece of work on Tuesday and Sean (Levey) said he felt as good as he's ever felt. He's relaxed and we're very pleased with him.
"A mile and a quarter looks to be well within his compass, but you don't know that until you've been there.
"You're also taking on older horses and the mile and a quarter round Sandown is not an easy mile and a quarter. He's going to have to get it well. He has always run to the line in his races which makes you think he would get the trip, and he gets a 10lb pull off the older horses.
"He's already a special horse to us. It's a very difficult task, but we've been very pleased with him, we think he's a very good horse and hopefully he'll show that on Saturday."