Bring it on: Appleby happy for Masar to take on Warrior again in Eclipse cracker

It is a case of 'game on' in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on Saturday after 2,000 Guineas hero Saxon Warrior was declared for a rip-roaring rematch with Derby conqueror Masar, the Coolmore colt's unexpected presence being widely and warmly welcomed – including by Godolphin supremo Sheikh Mohammed.

Saxon Warrior's participation, just seven days on from finishing third in the Irish Derby, means three of the first four home at Epsom will again lock horns at Sandown, with little to choose between them in the market on Thursday night.

Masar was a best-priced 7-4 favourite, with Derby third Roaring Lion and fourth home Saxon Warrior available at 7-2.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Masar, welcomed the participation of old rival Saxon Warrior with the battle cry of "we're the one they've all got to beat".

After finishing third to Saxon Warrior in the 2,000 Guineas – in which Roaring Lion was fifth – Masar reversed form in no uncertain terms with a clinical length-and-a-half success over Dee Ex Bee at Epsom last month.

"It's a great race and I'm glad Saxon Warrior is turning up," Appleby said. "It's what an Eclipse deserves.

"I spoke to His Highness [Sheikh Mohammed] after the final decs were made and he's pleased too.

"We would rather win an Eclipse like this than one that people might previously have called sub-standard."

Saxon Warrior lands the Qipco 2,000 Guineas from Tip Two WinCredit: Mark Cranham

Appleby's bold words suggest Masar is in the peak of condition for his first race since that memorable win on the Surrey Downs.

"This horse is in great order," he confirmed. "His form is strong. He was impressive in the Craven, he finished a respectable third in the Guineas, then won the Derby. If I were a betting man I know who I'd be favouring on the back of all that.

"His preparation for the Eclipse has been faultless. We go there with the best form and this race has always been his target since a week after Epsom.

"It's a good renewal, but Masar is a worthy favourite and they've all got him to beat."

Donnacha O'Brien will be reunited with Saxon Warrior when the colt clashes with Masar for a third time.

Aidan O'Brien, who also runs Cliffs Of Moher (Seamie Heffernan) and Happily (Wayne Lordan) in the race, said: "Ryan [Moore] will be at Belmont on Saturday, when he will ride Mendelssohn in the Grade 3 Dwyer Stakes over a mile on the dirt, Hunting Horn in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby, and Athena in the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks.

"He'll be back to ride Gustav Klimt for us in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville on Sunday."

Coral are delighted with the turnout for the £750,000 Group 1, due off 50 minutes before England take on Sweden in the World Cup and which along with the tennis at Wimbledon makes Saturday afternoon a sporting feast.

The firm's David Stevens said: "This year's Coral-Eclipse is the most valuable running in our long association with Sandown, and to have the 2,000 Guineas winner taking on the Derby hero adds a level of interest to the race that at the start of the week looked unlikely.

"Of course, the race isn't just about those two Classic winners, as there's quality throughout the field – including a previous winner in Hawkbill – but we're delighted connections have chosen to send Saxon Warrior into battle just seven days after his run in the Irish Derby.

"Judging by the money we've seen for the colt since declaration time, plenty of punters clearly believe he'll run a big race once again, and there's every chance he'll replace Roaring Lion as second favourite by the off."

Coral-Eclipse card and betting

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