Hawkbill
What the trainers say ahead of the Coral-Eclipse
Horse Racing
Sat July 07, 2018 · 6y ago
We get the views of Charlie Appleby, Aidan O'Brien, John Gosden and Richard Fahey ahead of their runners' bid for Coral-Eclipse glory.
Charlie Appleby - Masar & Hawkbill: "We're very pleased with both our horses. Their preparation has gone well and we're looking forward to what should be great race. Masar seems in great form. I don't think being drawn in stall one is going to a problem, as it looks like there's enough pace in the race.
"The Irish Derby was there, but coming back in trip was never going to be a worry. One thing William (Buick) said after the Guineas was that he felt like a 10-furlong horse against milers. I go in there very confident with the horse that we've got and he has got form around there. I don't think you can get a nicer profile going into any Group One race, whether it be a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half."
"Hawkbill is a previous winner of the race and he's there genuinely on his merits, Oeople will say he's only there for a pace angle, but if something else wants to go on we're quite happy to take a lead with Hawkbill. Having said that, if there isn't much pace on we know what Hawkbill is good at, so we'll see. He's in good order and if he's on his A-game I think he'll test the three-year-olds, which is what it's all about."
John Gosden - Roaring Lion: "He (Masar) is a legitimate favourite. He has won a Craven and it is not like he needs a mile and a half. He ran great in the Guineas. I think the Guineas is the best form, so to that extent we've got it all to do, but we know a mile and a quarter on top of the ground suits us."
Aidan O'Brien - Saxon Warrior, Happily & Cliffs Of Moher: "Obviously he hasn't done anything since (Irish Derby) and we'll watch him closely all the way up to the race, but he seems to have taken it well. We won't really know until we run him, but he seems very well.
"Happily is in good form. She had a very good run the last day and we're looking forward to seeing her run
"Cliffs Of Moher ran well in Ascot last time and we still think we haven't seen the best of him yet. He's been in good form since then."
Richard Fahey - Forest Ranger: "Forest Ranger is in excellent form. He needs to step up on what he has achieved during his career so far, but he has won well on both of his starts this year. He should be a 20-1 shot and that probably reflects his chance, but he goes on any ground and we hope he is an each-way player. It's a big ask, but whatever happens on Saturday, we'll be finding out a bit more about him."