Corrib has Sandown date
Corrib Eclipse will bid to follow up his Royal Ascot success in the Addleshaw Goddard Stakes at Sandown Park on Saturday.
The lightly-raced five-year-old was having his first start on the Flat when coming from the rear of the field to land the Queen Alexandra Stakes at odds of 25-1.
The Double Eclipse gelding relished the two-and-three-quarter-mile trip on that occasion but will be dropping to an extended 16 furlongs at the Esher track, a race won by the ill-fated Persian Punch 12 months ago.
“I am bit worried that he may find the trip a bit short but I spoke to John Egan at quite long length about that and we both feel that he travelled very well in that Ascot race,” said trainer Jamie Poulton.
“He was switched off there, sat in the pack nicely and then quickened up and providing the two miles isn’t too sharp for him, he will run well.
“He went for a spin at Lingfield this morning just to sharpen him up for the weekend,” added Poulton.
“He went over a mile and half and is in very good order with himself. He looked really happy and moved very well so I am looking forward to the weekend.”
Corrib Eclipse had previously run in National Hunt Flat races, running four times and finishing 10th in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in March, and is now set to be campaigned over hurdles this winter.
“The Stayers’ Hurdle would be the plan with him but I don’t know if this year might be too soon for him as a novice,” said the Lewes-based handler.
“It all depends how he gets on in his novice races but if Iris’s Gift goes chasing, and Baracouda has to give my fellow four years, we could be in with a chance.”
After missing the cut for the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate, Poulton’s Land ’n Stars could now be aimed at the Tooheys New Melbourne Cup on November 2.
“I’ve got nothing immediate in mind for him but I would love to run him in the Melbourne Cup if we get in,” said Poulton.
“I think that is the ultimate race to win with a stayer and I would love to have a go at it.”
