Mishriff in top form with Eclipse target

Keith Hamer
May 19, 2021 9:15 am

Saudi Cup and Sheema Classic hero heading for Sandown in July.

Mishriff remains on target for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July after connections opted not to enter the brilliant four-year-old at Royal Ascot.

He has yet to win at the top level on home soil, having been unsuccessful on his only attempt to date in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.

Mishriff’s three Group One victories have all come abroad – in the French Derby, the Saudi Cup and the Dubai Sheema Classic.

Unbelievable race, unbelievable racehorse! 🙌
Mishriff wins the Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic for @davidegan99 and John and Thady Gosden at @MeydanRacing pic.twitter.com/5h9kKV1K8h
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 27, 2021

The son of Make Believe, trained by John and Thady Gosden, was last seen winning the latter contest at Meydan in March.

However, connections are pleased with Mishriff and the plan is for him to reappear in the mile-and-a-quarter showpiece at the Esher venue.

“He’s ticking along and John is happy with him. He’s quite a fresh horse,” said Ted Voute, racing manager to owner Prince Faisal.

“He didn’t enter him at Royal Ascot. He wants to go straight to the Eclipse and see how he gets on there.

“Mishriff is in the Arc as well, with all the other artillery from the big stables.

🏆 What a moment for the 21-year-old…
MISHRIFF and @DavidEgan99 are this year’s Saudi Cup winners#TheSaudiCup pic.twitter.com/UdVoXRRspu
— The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) February 20, 2021

“We’re very happy with him and the Eclipse is the aim as it is now.

“He was a bit lighter in Dubai than he was in Saudi Arabia, but obviously he performed well there.

“He’s so adaptable. He can come from behind or run up with the pace, he can go on heavy ground and over different distances. Let’s hope it continues.”