Masar confirmed for Eclipse

Sandown Park’s G1 Coral-Eclipse is to be Derby winner Masar’s next target.

Trainer Charlie Appleby has confirmed the Godolphin star is set to drop back in distance, to a mile and a quarter, for his next run, on Saturday, 7 July.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and I discussed Masar’s program at length and have reached the conclusion that the Eclipse will suit him best,” Appleby said.

“We will leave him in the G1 Irish Derby, just to keep all options open. But the intention is to run in the Eclipse.

“Masar has won at Sandown (the G3 Solario Stakes), showing that he acts well on the track and dropping back in trip will be no problem — he won the G3 Craven Stakes and finished third in the G1 Guineas. He’s got plenty of speed,” he pointed out.

Masar looked bright as he went about routine work at Moulton Paddocks early today.