Charlie Appleby has today confirmed that Derby winner Masar will head to Sandown for the Eclipse on his first start since Epsom glory.
The Godolphin trained colt scooted to victory in the Derby earlier this month but plans to head to the Curragh for the Irish version have been shelved in favour of heading to the Esher track.
The Group 1 contest at Sandown will see the son of New Approach drop back in trip to 10 furlongs which is expected to suit after his Epsom efforts. The three-year-old was a winner of the Craven Stakes at Newmarket at a mile earlier this term before a 3rd place finish in the 2000 Guineas on the Rowley Mile, proving he is a horse with plenty of speed.
The step up to 12 furlongs in the Derby clearly suited Masar but a trip to Sandown is likely to prove a slightly easier option than taking on the Ballydoyle squad at the Curragh.
Masar, who will need to be supplemented for the Eclipse, is likely to take on old rival Roaring Lion with the pair of classic colts currently at the head of the market. The Dante winner ran a stormer when 3rd in the Derby itself and the feeling is that the John Gosden trained horse will benefit from the drop back in trip which could see the pair of them closely matched on July 7th.
All eyes will be on Masar though as Godolphin look to kick on with one of the most important horses they have ever had the pleasure of owning. There are signs of a fightback against old rivals Coolmore and if Masar can add another Group 1 at 1m2f, the future will look bright from a number of angles.
