Motivator Handed Eclipse Assignment

Connections of the Vodafone Derby winner Motivator have confirmed that he will sidestep the Irish equivalent in favour of tackling the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Trainer Michael Bell and Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club, were considering the Budweiser Irish Derby on June 26 for the colt but they have now decided they would like the extra six days to prepare Motivator for the Eclipse.

The unbeaten son of Montjeu will be taking on older horses for the first time in the Group One contest as well as stepping back in trip to 10 furlongs.

'We have just made the decision today and we are going to go for the Coral-Eclipse,' said Herbert.

'The horse is in very good form and we took the view that we would not be frightened about coming back to a mile and a quarter because of the speed he has shown in his races.

'Another advantage is that it gives us another week to prepare, although he appears 100 per cent at the moment.

'We will see if he can emulate the mighty Nashwan who is the last horse to have done the double in 1989.

'Three-year-olds have a good record in the race, although you have to treat every case differently.'

Cashmans have now adjusted their betting for the Irish Derby and go 1-2 Hurricane Run, 4-1 Aidan O´Brien stable, 6-1 Fracas, 10-1 Bahar Shumaal.

Following the news, Eclipse sponsors Coral quote Motivator at 6-4 for the Sandown feature.

'It is great that this fantastic colt will take his chance in the Coral-Eclipse, and he must have a great chance of becoming the first Derby winner since Nashwan to follow up with victory at Sandown,' said Coral´s David Stevens.

'With some great older horses such as Azamour and Grey Swallow possibly lining up against him, it promises to be a vintage renewal.

? PA Sport