Plenty of options for Eclipse hero Ulysses Connections of Ulysses will let the dust settle before mapping out the four-year-old's programme for the rest of the season following his pulsating victory in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday. Races such as the Juddmonte International and the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes over the Eclipse distance of a mile and a quarter are likely to be considered, as well as mile and a half features like the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Ulysses justified trainer Sir Michael Stoute's patience and faith by edging out Barney Roy in a thrilling finish to a great clash between the generations. "It was a great performance by Ulysses and it was a beautiful ride (by Jim Crowley). It was a very good race to watch in terms of racing appeal," said Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners Flaxman Stables Ireland. "He's run in several Group Ones and it's great he's got one under his belt now, "All is well with Ulysses this morning. We'll just take our time before deciding on his next race. As Sir Michael said straight after the race he'd see in about 10 days' time, mull it over and see where we are going to go next. "Ulysses has performed very well over a mile and a half and was a Group winner at that trip last year. This year he's been good over a mile and quarter, so let's see. We'll play it by it ear." Barney Roy's trainer Richard Hannon reported his St James's Palace Stakes hero to be A1 after losing it out to Ulysses by just a nose on what was his first appearance over a mile and a quarter. Connections of the Godolphin-owned colt have the option of sticking to that trip for races such as the Juddmonte International and Irish Champion Stakes or possibly dropping back to a mile for the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. "Barney Roy is fine, no problems. He ran very well," said Hannon. "We don't know where we're going to go next yet."
