Authorized, the 5 length winner of the Epsom Derby last month, has hardened into 8-11 on Betfair for the Coral Eclipse Stakes on Saturday.  

In total, 13 horses have stood their ground for the prestigious 10f race at the latest declaration stage, with Aidan O’Brien responsible for no less than six of the remaining entries.

O’Brien’s talented, if somewhat enigmatic, 4yo George Washington, heads the Ballydoyle brigade and is currently trading as the 3-1 second favourite on Betfair.

Running plans remain fluid for many of the other entries - as evidenced by some of the fancy prices on offer about them, such as 35-1 Duke Of Marmalade and 84-1 Dylan Thomas  - although Sir Michael Stoute’s Notnowcato is an intended runner and trades as the clear third favourite at 8-1.

Authorized versus George Washington is set to be one of the highlights of the flat racing season. It brings together the two colts who have dominated the flat racing headlines in recent months. At present, Authorized is far more the solid of the two big guns and any further rain will see his price contract further, with George Washington going the other way. 

Sandown’s Coral Eclipse Stakes – Betfair bet: 8-11 Authorized, 3-1 George Washington, 8-1 Notnowcato, 27-1 Archipenko, 35-1 Duke of Marmalade, 50-1 + Others including 84-1 Dylan Thomas.

Register at Betfair now  and get a free bet worth twenty five quid when you use code FTB125