Confidence growing in Ulysses for a first Group 1 in Eclipse

Connections of Ulysses believe their colt's performance in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot will provide the perfect springboard for Saturday's Coral-Eclipse as hopes grow that he can finally land a first Group 1 victory.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old's first Group 1 foray was a much-hyped bid for last year's Derby, but he finished well down the field in 12th.

He was much better when fourth behind Highland Reel in the Breeders' Cup Turf, and was closer to that rival last time out when third in the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

A progressive profile gives connections hope he can improve again on Saturday, and Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners the Niarchos family, said on Thursday: "He's a course-and-distance winner and gained more experience at Group 1 level in the Prince of Wales's.

"He ran a super race at Ascot and we're hoping he can do similar on Saturday. Sir Michael said that Ulysses has taken Ascot very well and appears to be in top form so we're hopeful of a good showing."

Jim Crowley is aboard again, having become available after connections of fellow Eclipse contender Eminent opted for Silvestre de Sousa, and Cooper added: "It's good that he's renewing the association having got to know him at Ascot."

Ulysses was one of nine declarations made for the Eclipse, with Jack Hobbs and Permian the most notable absentees.

John Gosden had warned earlier in the week that Jack Hobbs would not be running if conditions got too fast, and with the forecast thunderstorms for Thursday failing to materialise, the five-year-old was missing from the final field.

'There's been no rain'

Watering took place at Sandown on Thursday, with the going described as good, good to firm in places. Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said: "There's been no rain and as a result of that given the temperatures we will be doing selective watering on the quicker areas.

"In the absence of rain at some point during this meeting I'm sure we will be calling the ground good to firm, possibly even on Friday."

Aidan O'Brien trimmed down his challenge for the race to favourite Cliffs Of Moher and Taj Mahal, who will be ridden by Padraig Beggy, a big-race booking for the Derby hero after he missed out on a ride in the Irish Derby.

Market leader Cliffs Of Moher was trimmed again with some firms into 7-4. The son of Galileo is a best-priced 2-1 chance, while St James's Palace winner Barney Roy is next best in the betting having been cut to a general 3-1 (from 7-2).

It could be a good weekend for Stoute, who has Shraaoh as favourite for Haydock's big betting race, the bet365 Old Newton Cup.

Although following the four-year-old has proved costly – beaten favourite on three of his last four runs – that has not stopped punters getting stuck in again and he heads the betting at 4-1.

An eye on the weather

Big Country is next at 6-1, but is not a certainty to run, with trainer Mick Appleby keeping an eye on the weather.

"We could do with some rain, if it dries up anymore we probably wouldn't run," Appleby said. "He's in good form but has got a bad draw [18]. Hopefully he could get across and drop in and he should run well."

The ground at Haydock remained good to firm on Thursday as the track avoided any storms.

Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright said: "Unless we get any rain overnight the plan is to water in the morning. We will do it to maintain the ground – with two more days of this weather it would be firm."

Coral-Eclipse card, form and betting