Hotazhell in the mix for stellar renewal of Eclipse
Jessica Harrington is on weather watch, as she eyes a drop of rain which will allow Irish 2,000 Guineas third Hotazhell to step up in trip for Sandown's Coral-Eclipse on Saturday week.
The son of Too Darn Hot excelled as a juvenile, winning four times and ending the year with Group One honours when edging out Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix at Doncaster in the Futurity Trophy.
After missing his intended return in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains on account of fast ground at ParisLongchamp, Hotazhell was a respectable third behind impressive winner Field Of Gold when making his belated reappearance in Classic company at the Curragh.
Harrington is now keen to move up in distance for what could be a mouthwatering Eclipse – for which Ombudsman, Sosie, Camille Pissaro are all pencilled in – but would also have no issue forgoing a trip to Esher to wait for future battles if no rain arrives.
'At the moment the plan is to go to the Eclipse with Hotazhell,' said Harrington.
'We're just hoping the weather might break next week in England and we get some rain and the idea would be to go to the Eclipse, but the weather will dictate as we don't want firm ground.
'He could have gone to France this weekend for a Group Two (Prix Eugene Adam), but we might as well wait and there are also plenty of races in the autumn for him.
'He ran very well at the Curragh and that was his first run of the year and a mile and two will be fine for him.'
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