Aidan O’Brien is responsible for a remarkable 36 entries in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, which will be run at Sandown on July 5.
Among the more notable of the Ballydoyle maestro’s potential runners are Peeping Fawn, Henrythenavigator and Listen, while compatriot Jim Bolger has put both New Approach and Finsceal Beo in the race.
Darjina and Doctor Dino could run for France, while South African trainer Mike De Kock could be represented by Hong Kong QEII Cup winner Archipenko, formerly trained by O’Brien.
Sir Michael Stoute, who took the race last year with Notnowcato, has entered five horses – Rob Roy, Promising Lead, Maraahel, Linngari and Ask.
Henry Cecil can choose from Twice Over, Kandahar Run, Multidimensional and Passage Of Time, while other interesting possibles among the 80 entries include Sixties Icon, Lucarno and Ramonti.
Andrew Cooper, director of racing at Sandown, said: “I am delighted with the initial entry for the 2008 Coral-Eclipse.
“We have been working very hard over the winter to attract international horses and I am particularly delighted to see the horses from France and South Africa as well as the in-depth Godolphin and Ballydoyle entries.
“It is also pleasing to see the strong domestic names including two Classic winners.”
Sponsors Coral offer 6-4 that the race is won by a three-year-old, 5-2 that O’Brien trains his fourth winner of the race, and 4-1 that the Derby winner follows up with victory at Sandown.
“With 80 horses in at this stage, we’re delighted with the increase in entries from last year (54),” said spokesman David Stevens.
“Aidan O’Brien has his usual strong hand, the presence of established stars Archipenko, Darjina and Doctor Dino would add international flavour to the race, and it’s great to see Godolphin’s 14 entries at this early stage.”