Just the nine horses declared for the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown and who actually lines up will be of key interest given Aidan O'Brien's strong hand in the race.

The Ballydole team have four entered, headlined by top class colt Constitution River who will start a clear cut favourite provided he runs, which appears increasingly likely.

Three-year-olds have dominated the Eclipse in recent years, winning the past five editions and indeed Aidan O'Brien has won the past three with a colt that all profile very similarly to Constitution River, who won the Prix Du Jockey Club (2100m) or French Derby last time out.

He drew wide there was used up early by Ryan Moore on a fast pace but still had enough reserve to keep kicking and record a strong victory, if anything rating down on his seven-length victory in the Dee Stakes at Chester the start prior when busting the clock.

They've opted to keep him and Benvenuto Cellini separate throughout their campaigns and off his Chester win, it's entirely possible Constitution River is the pick of the two.

He's certainly rated higher than last year's winner Delacroix who won the Eclipse off running midfield in the Epsom Derby and realistically doesn't need to improve to be winning the Eclipse this week.

Given the generous weight allowance three-year-olds receive off the older gallopers, and the fact that there are no other Group One winners in the field, it looks a very likely race for Constitution River to add to his record.

The main defence from the older horses come from lightly raced four-year-old Gethin for the Owen Burrows yard. He ran a career best over this track and distance last time out behind superstar Ombudsman which looks a good bit of form, but he did receive 3kg off that horse who had improvement to come.

Saddadd is the other four-year-old with claims and perhaps a better chance than Gethin. His win over this route two starts ago at Group 3 level was very fast before chasing home Almaqam at Group 1 level last time out.

That said, they're still a bit off Constiution River's best and with his three-year-old allowance and the prospect of more to come, they'll do well to beat the even money favourite.

Photo: Healy Racing