Oxx in upbeat mood for Eclipse

John Oxx is confident Sea The Stars can succeed where previous Derby winners Motivator and Authorized failed by landing the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday, although the prospect of thundery showers in the next few days is a cause for some concern.

However the Currabeg trainer intends to run his 2,000 Guineas and Investec Derby winner in the ten furlong showpiece, and does not expect to be faced with a similar ground decision which led to him being withdrawn from the Irish Derby.

"It's not the same situation. It's pretty fast ground at Sandown at the minute and, though there is a chance of rain there on Friday, we'll have to see what happens."

"At the moment it's very hot and they could get a thundery shower I suppose and we will monitor it, but it's not the same situation as last week as there's not a lot of moisture in the ground to begin with - the Curragh ground was always likely to change quickly."

"Motivator and Authorized were both sons of Montjeu coming down in distance, they didn't contest the Guineas - they were both coming down in distance trying to prove a point. This fellow is different, he's a Guineas winner.

"They both ran very well, they just didn't win. It's a horse race and there can only be one winner. Authorized ran very well, I seem to remember that was a messy race and he looked unlucky.

"Motivator also ran very well but Oratorio was just a little too good for him on the day and of course the same horse beat him again in the Irish Champion Stakes later in the year. Motivator ran well both times but just couldn't beat him at that distance."

Having raced just five times in his career, this is Sea The Stars' first attempt at ten furlongs, and Oxx believes it will suit the Cape Cross colt well. "It should be a good distance for him, who knows what his best distance is yet. We'll try him at this and see how he goes."

"It's always nice to win the top races over a variety of distances, he's already won them over a mile and a mile and a half. One at ten furlongs would be another feather in his cap. It's important to prove a horse's versaility."

Having won the Derby Sea The Stars has already ticked the stamina box, and Oxx is more than happy his horse has proved himself over a mile and a half despite the slow early pace at Epsom.

"He was a bit keen early on and we would've preferred a faster pace ourselves. There's a bit of Coolmore spin going around, they're trying to alter the picture as best they can. That's just their style and we all know about that! The result is there and he stays the trip well enough."

Oxx hasn't made plans beyond Saturday for his star colt, and concedes that his performance at Sandown will dictate where they go with him next. "Another race gives us a bit more information. He's only had five races so every time he runs you learn a little more, it could point us in a certain direction."

Summing up his chances at Sandown, Oxx concluded: "It's a Group One race, they're never easily won. Sandown is a nice stiff track with a stiff uphill finish, it looks like there will be a couple of pacemakers in the race so it will be a nice pace I hope. The usual blend of speed, stamina and class will be required. "

"There are several horses to beat and I wouldn't single one out. Conduit is a good horse, Archipenko has had some good runs, Rip Van Winkle is always talked about highly, Henry Cecil's good horse Twice Over is always in the shake-up, Luca Cumain's Cima De Triomphe is a good one too. There are four or five there that could be good competitors."