Coral-Eclipse (Group 1)

Ran well under a penalty in C&D Group 3 on reappearance for sole defeat (5-5 otherwise); subsequently impressive and value for more than the winning margin in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot (good to firm) on first Group 1 attempt, trapped behind horses before eventually finding room and beating a solid opponent by 2l going away; looks well capable of following up, being top on ratings and still improving.

High-class French colt whose strike-rate is 6-9 and Group 1 record reads 31411, the fourth-place finish when favourite for last year's Arc; successful in the Prix Ganay (by a neck) and Prix d'Ispahan (by 1l) this season, both at Longchamp (10.5f/1m1f) on ground faster than the official good to soft; aptly bred, being by the 2009 Eclipse winner Sea The Stars, and brings solid claims to this first attempt away from home soil.

Has improved with racing; performed very well in French Classics the last twice, on latest occasion sneaking up the inside rail to justify favouritism in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly (upped to 10.5f; ground faster than the official good to soft); could well have even more to offer at this sort of distance; respected in his bid to become the third horse this decade to complete the French Derby and Eclipse double.

Had excuses (hampered early and ended up in poor position) when beaten favourite in the Derby four weeks ago; otherwise a solid/progressive operator who normally races prominently and is 2-2 over 1m2f, namely trial wins at Leopardstown this spring; remains of major interest and helps to give Aidan O'Brien, whose excellent record in this race includes three wins in the last four years, a robust hand.

Very productive 2yo campaign culminated in narrow defeat of Delacroix, pair clear, in soft-ground Group 1 Futurity; respectable third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas (good) kept to 1m on reappearance; smart colt but there are mixed messages in his pedigree with regard to this new trip.