Racing:St Nicholas Abbey and Rip Van Winkle are among a 17-strong entry from Aidan O'Brien in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on July 3rd.
Rip Van Winkle was second in the event last year to Sea The Stars while if all goes well for St Nicholas Abbey in the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas Stakes and the Investec Derby, he would be following in the exact footsteps of John Oxx’s 2009 champion if he ended up in Esher.
Sandown received a total of 67 entries at the first stage including last year’s Oaks first and second, Sariska and Midday and Dubai heroine Da Re Mi.
Andre Fabre has entered the exciting prospect Cutlass Bay, owned by Godolphin, while their other trainers Saeed bin Suroor and Mahmood Al Zarooni have put in 16 and five respectively.
The other international entry is from Italy in the shape of the Vincenzo Caruso-trained Voila Ici.
Andrew Cooper, director of racing at Sandown, said: “I am thrilled that the quality and quantity of the entries for the race is so strong.
“The Coral-Eclipse is the most high profile Flat race at Sandown Park and represents the first opportunity at Group One level for the Classic generation to take on their elders.
“Last year was a very special day with Sea The Stars following up his Investec Derby victory with success over the older generation for the first time.”