King George still the plan for Eclipse possible Wonderful Tonight David Menuisier has dampened the idea of Wonderful Tonight running in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot remains the plan for the dual Group One-winning filly despite her being left in Saturday’s 10-furlong showpiece at the confirmation stage. However, Menuisier admitted he may have a rethink about declaring his stable star for Sandown following her impressive victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot should more rain fall at the Esher venue. “At the moment, she’s not running. I think the main plan is to go for the King George,” the West Sussex-based trainer told Sky Sports Racing. “If the weather was changing and they were getting downpours, which could happen, then we would have to re-assess by Thursday morning, but as we speak the plan would not be to go for the Eclipse.” Owner Chris Wright felt it was the right choice to leave Wonderful Tonight in the Eclipse at the five-day stage. “We were in the race so it made sense to confirm at the five-day stage,” he said. “It hasn’t been on the agenda. It has not been the plan but if the trainer decides when he sees what horses will line-up on the day and if the ground is conducive to be in our favour then he may want to run, but I wouldn’t advise everybody to plunge in ante-post at this point.” David Egan is delighted to be continuing his association with Mishriff following their big-race double in the Middle East in the Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic. Egan, retained jockey for owner Prince Faisal, revealed the pain he suffered when replaced on Mishriff three times last season, including when the colt won the French Derby. He said: “It killed me inside, watching him win (French Derby). Obviously I was over the moon for Prince Faisal and I knew I would get back on him some day being his retained rider, but missing out on a French Classic was hard to take. “I took it on the chin and moved on and it paid to keep my mouth shut and keep working hard. We reaped the rewards this winter when we had a fantastic time in the Middle East and hopefully we’ll have a fruitful summer again. “The owner is entitled to do what he wants, he pays the bills and for longer than I’ve been born he’s been building his own bloodlines. He chose Frankie (Dettori) for the Champion Stakes at the end of the year, that was his decision and I respect him for that. “I was really grateful to get the ride back and hopefully I can do him justice on Saturday.”
