HALLING attempts to secure the £250,000 Coral Eclipse Stakes on Saturday for the second successive year with his connections insisting he is as good ever. The Godolphin colt, among 10 declarations made yesterday for the Sandown showpiece, is being offered at a generous looking 5 to 1 by the sponsors.

William Hill, who also opened a book on the race, quote Halling at a more realistic 3 to 1. Preferred in Coral's betting is Pentire, the 5 to 2 favourite, and the Derby winner Shaamit at 9 to 2.

Disappointing in the Dubai World Cup, Halling shot back to winning form in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp at the end of May. "We hope and think that he's as good as he was at this time last year when he won the race, said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

"His price is not that much of a surprise as it's a much stronger race than it was 12 months ago. Halling seems to be in very good condition and we're hopeful that he will run well."

John Reid steps in for the plum ride with Walter Swinburn still not ready to return and Frankie Dettori on the sidelines. It's yet to be decided whether Reid, who will partner the colt for the first time, will have the opportunity to get acquainted with Halling at Newmarket this week.

"That is something we haven't been able to sort out yet but it's not a great problem as Halling is a straightforward ride," said Crisford.

Godolphin has still to decide whether to pitch Charnwood Forest into the race. A decision over the impressive Queen Anne Stakes winner is unlikely to be made until Thursday.

Bijou d'Inde joins the Derby winner Shaamit and Beauchamp King as the only three year olds in the Group One event. They will be attempting to notch the first success for that age group since Nashwan in 1989.

Bijou d'Inde has an additional stumbling block in that he is attempting a 10 furlong trip for the first time. But trainer Mark Johnston is hopeful that the St James's Palace Stakes winner will make a bold attempt.

Shaamit will undergo a workout tomorrow under his big race jockey Pat Eddery before a decision is made on his participation.