Frankie: Western Hymn is very well and ready for the Eclipse
Published:
The Eclipse is this weekend’s big race at Sandown and I can’t wait to take my chances in this year’s renewal.
I’ll be onboard John Gosden’s Western Hymn, aiming to win the race for a fourth time. Obviously, last year’s victory with Golden Horn was pretty special and I’d love to repeat the trick on Saturday!
We’ll see how we get on. As usual it’s shaping-up to be another great race and there’s plenty for everyone to get excited about.
The Eclipse is a tough contest and to win it you need a horse that has both talent and the guts to shrug off another good one at the stiff uphill finish.
Drying ground is a positive, nobody wants a long, hard slog!
A lot has been made of the potential conditions at Sandown in the lead-up to the Eclipse. Ultimately, the drying ground will help as nobody wants a slog in soft ground.
I think the ground will be spot on and the forecast looks good for the next few days so that’s great to hear.
A bit of sun will please a number of connections and no doubt those planning on making the trip to Esher too.
John Gosden is very happy with Western Hymn
Having spoken to John Gosden I think that he is feeling very happy with Western Hymn’s preparations and the way he’s come out of Royal Ascot.
I hope that I have a good chance in the Eclipse and at least I know that my horse acts on the track.
He has form at Sandown having won last year’s Brigadier Gerard and Gordon Richard Stakes and I’m thrilled to be getting back onboard for this latest challenge.
Talent will win the day and age is no barrier
This is the first chance for the Classic generation to take on the older horses and that will be a big focus.
Only a couple of three-year-olds have won the Eclipse in the last 10 years but age is no barrier and talent will come through on the day.
Age is no disadvantage if horses are good enough although you need a genuine performer to see off the challenge of a stronger, battle-hardened older horse.
Experience could be crucial but the talent of the likes of The Gurkha, Time Test and of course my own runner, will speak for itself and we’ll soon see how it’ll all play out.
Good luck!
Frankie
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
