Coral-Eclipse report: Constitution River oozes class at Sandown

Constitution River further enhanced his growing reputation with a dominant display in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Having won two of his three juvenile starts, the Wootton Bassett colt blew his rivals away on his reappearance in Chester’s Dee Stakes and the decision to head to France for his Derby bid paid off as he led home a Ballydoyle one-two-three in the Prix du Jockey Club five weeks ago.

Aidan O’Brien also fielded the Chantilly runner-up Hawk Mountain and the pacesetting Flushing Meadows in his bid for a 10th Eclipse success, but it was all about one horse, with 8-11 favourite Constitution River turning on the after burners once given his head to pull three lengths clear of the chasing pack under Ryan Moore.

Donnacha O’Brien’s French Derby fourth A Boy Named Susie improved on that result with a strong-finishing effort to grab second, with Hawk Mountain third.

Aidan O’Brien said: “We’re over the moon with him, we’ve always thought the world of him and I’m so delighted for everybody. We feel he’s a special horse and always did.

“The lads will decide what happens with him but, he’ll have no problem dropping back to a mile, staying at a mile and a quarter or going up to a mile and a half.

“I asked Ryan and he said you can go wherever you want – he doesn’t think he’s ridden a better horse. We’re delighted and all options are open.

“He’s heavier today than he’s ever been and Ryan said he had to move a little bit earlier than he wanted. He’s maturing and he’s a big, scopey proper physical.

“The Juddmonte and the Irish Champion Stakes are there for him but the lads will decide and the great thing with this horse is they can do whatever they want.

“He’s so special all the way and we felt that we hadn’t seen the bottom of him. He loves racing, he’s classy and pacey and we’re delighted with him.”

Paddy Power made Constitution River 5-2 to win the Juddmonte International at York and Ryan Moore believes 10 furlongs is the perfect trip for the son of Wootton Bassett for now.

Moore said: “He’s unbeaten at 10 furlongs and looks very comfortable at 10.

“We’re still learning a little bit about him and the pace was strong. He wasn’t off the bridle and obviously there were horses coming back and then once you’re out you’re in front earlier than what you needed to be.

“He was a little bit idle and I think when I gave him a couple of smacks he responded and was always in command of the race.

“I think he’s a proper horse and he has a deep pedigree. He’s a good looking horse and looked magnificent beforehand.”