Events / Joe Dyer / 01 July 2009 /

Conduit good enough to win last five renewals, say Timeform.

Sea The Stars' ante-post backers were dealt a blow when he sidestepped the Irish Derby on account of the soft ground, and it looks increasingly like a case of "once bitten, twice shy" as he trades as the [2.02] favourite on Betfair for Saturday's Coral Eclipse at Sandown.

It isn't the fact that the Guineas and Derby winner is trading at eye-popping odds on the exchange - though the even money available is comfortably the best price in the marketplace - more that there is so little money queuing up to back to him.

Which is understandable when you consider that heavy showers are forecast from Thursday night onwards, when the hot weather is set to break.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin commented: "Backers are reluctant to get involved on the horse at this stage, but the layers are happy to take their chances with Sea The Stars at [2.02].

"He will probably be [1.7] on Saturday, but he has to get there first."

And Timeform believe that he could have a tough task on his hands if he does line up, anyway.

Timeform spokesman Kieran Packman explained: "Having had the opportunity to digest the Irish Derby result from last weekend, our view is that enough substance was given to Sea The Stars' Epsom victory by Fame And Glory's success to see John Oxx's three-year-old top-rated for Saturday's Eclipse.

"We certainly feel Sea The Stars has it in him to establish himself as the best across the age groups now, he's undoubtedly top-class for all he's yet to be pushed into showing it despite completing a Classic double.

"Conduit sets a stiff standard amongst the older horses, indeed a repeat of his Breeders' Cup performance would have been good enough to win the last five renewals of this race. It remains to be seen, though, whether he can replicate that level of form over ten furlongs."

Timeform Adjusted Ratings

Sea The Stars 138p
Conduit 137
Archipenko 133
Twice Over 131
Rip Van Winkle 130
Tazeez 128
Cima De Triomphe 128
Westphalia 126
Jukebox Jury 124
Steele Tango 120
Montior Closely 119
Lang Shining 117
Set Sail 114
Malibu Bay 110

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