News 'All systems go' for Eminent as Martyn Meade looks forward to Eclipse bid

'All systems go' for Eminent as Martyn Meade looks forward to Eclipse bid

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Martyn Meade believes the course at Sandown will be tailor-made for Eminent when he goes for glory in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes on July 8.

The Frankel colt showed his well-being in a seven-furlong workout at Newmarket on Wednesday with regular work companion Solo Hunter, when he was reported to have clocked a speed in excess of 40mph.

"He worked very well his morning and he's on course to go to Sandown at week on Saturday. That's the plan," said Meade.

Eminent has performed with credit in both the Qipco 2000 Guineas (sixth) and in particular the Investec Derby (fourth), after creating a good impression when winning the Craven Stakes on his seasonal debut.

It looks as though Eminent will get the chance to reverse Epsom form with Cliffs Of Moher, who finished two places and one length in front of him in the Derby won by Wings Of Eagles, after Aidan O'Brien nominated Sandown as his next port of call.

"The plan with Cliffs Of Moher is to go for the Eclipse," the Ballydoyle handler told At The Races.

And Meade is all for taking on the Irish raider again. "We'll try to make sure we beat him this time!" said the Newmarket trainer.

"I think it will be a different race to the Derby, that's for certain. It's the track that is going to suit us much better than Epsom.

"It's a shorter distance, but I'm quite happy with him over one-mile-two. Hopefully they will go a good gallop there, which will also suit us.

"We're looking forward to it. It's all systems go for Sandown."