No Pre-Race Worries For Motivator Camp

Michael Bell has played down any fears that Motivator might get overexcited in the build-up to Saturday´s Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

Question marks had been raised over the Montjeu colt´s temperament before he demolished the field in the Vodafone Derby earlier this month, and he was saddled up well away from the public at Epsom.

The Esher track is tighter and runners are led out close to the public along the rhododendron walk, but his trainer is not concerned.

'I thought he handled the parade at Epsom really well - there didn´t look to be any chinks in his armour in that department,' Bell told At The Races.

'The leadout on the track is a bit daunting and all of the Montjeus are a little bit quirky.

'But it´s a trait you expect to see in them, so don´t expect to see the horse walking out down the walkway with his head between his front legs fast asleep because he´s just not that type.

'One concern is that he´s never been right-handed before, which is an element of doubt, but he should be able to cope with it.'

Bell added that Motivator is 'giving out all the right signs at home' and has every faith that his stable star can make it five wins from five starts in the Group One race.

He added: 'We´ve got to be confident - the horse is unbeaten and he´s still not seen a horse in the last quarter-mile of his races.

'It´s no forgone conclusion, but he´s odds-on favourite and let´s hope he can justify the bookmakers opinion of him.'

? PA Sport