Forty-one left in Eclipse

This season`s first major clash of the generations has attracted a bumper field of 41 possibles at the forfeit stage.

The 2001 renewal of the Stg£325,000 Coral Eurobet Eclipse Stakes gives racing fans a first chance to see the Classic generation compete at the highest level against their older and more-experienced rivals.

A figure of 41 compares extremely favourably with the 26 horses remaining at this stage last year.

The three-year-old crop is headed by the brilliant Vodafone Derby hero Galileo - one of 15 remaining entries for the master of Ballydoyle, Aidan O`Brien, who was successful in last year`s race with `Iron Horse` Giant`s Causeway.

However, O`Brien is more likely to be represented in the Group One contest by Black Minnaloushe, the winner of the St James`s Palace Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot.

However the Storm Cat colt was not entered for the contest and would need to be supplemented on June 30th at a cost of Stg£20,000.

Both the winners of the season`s first two classics, the Sagitta 1000 and 2000 Guineas, also go forward. Golan, the 2000 Guineas victor and Vodafone Derby runner-up, is one of five remaining entries for champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute, while the 1000 Guineas heroine Ameerat represents Michael Jarvis.

Godolphin, successful three times in the Eclipse with a 1-2-3 in 1998, still has seven to choose from, headed by Fantastic Light.

Sheikh Mohammed`s operation could also run Noverre, Tobougg, Broche, Ekraar, Give The Slip and Sakhee, who was fourth last year.

Other prominent challengers from the older generation include last season`s Dubai Champion Stakes and Breeders` Cup Turf hero Kalanisi, who was beaten a head by Giant`s Causeway 12 months ago.