Hawk Wing faces six rivals

Hawk Wing will face a maximum of six rivals in the Coral Eurobet Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on Saturday following today`s final declaration stage.

However, one of the main dangers to Aidan O`Brien`s star, No Excuse Needed, may yet not make the line-up for the #325,000 showpiece.

Connections feel the Queen Anne Stakes winner is at his best on fast ground and trainer Sir Michael Stoute warned: 'No Excuse Needed has been declared for the race but will not run if there is further rain.'

O`Brien will have two other representatives in the Group One contest.

Shock Budweiser Irish Derby runner-up Sholokhov, who set the pace for the Ballydoyle runners in the Irish Classic could be asked to perform a similar role for the Sagitta 2000 Guineas and Vodafone Derby second Hawk Wing.

Completing the O`Brien trio is Bach, third in this race last season, but disappointing in the Prince Of Wales`s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Godolphin will once again go head-to-head with Coolmore and their hopes rest with the unbeaten Equerry, who bids to make a successful transition from Group Three company and will relish any ease in the ground.

David Elsworth has been bullish in recent days over the chances of Indian Creek, who ran perhaps his best race to date when second to Godolphin`s Grandera in the Prince Of Wales`s.

Completing the field in Mick Channon`s Imperial Dancer, fifth in a Listed event at Leicester on his latest start.