Cecil's multi-talented star can eclipse rivals

Follow the leader: Multidimensional (left) can get the better of stablemate Phoenix Tower in tomorrow's Coral-Eclipse
John O'Hara13 April 2012

Multidimensional can finally justify his lofty reputation by landing the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown tomorrow.

This historic contest holds a place of great significance in trainer Henry Cecil's great career as Wolver Hollow's win back in 1969 was his first of 90-plus Group 1 winners.

And Cecil can end his 30-year drought in the £500,000 event with the smart five-year-old.

Although stable jockey Ted Durcan has deserted Multidimensional in favour of Cecil's other fancy in the race, Phoenix Tower, don't let that put you off as the underrated Tom Queally is more than capable of taking his first-ever Group 1 success on the horse.

It would be fitting if Multidimensional were to become Cecil's fourth Coral-Eclipse winner as it was this horse that ended a four-year Group race drought for the Warren Place team in 2006 and signalled that they were ready to return to the big time.

Cecil has always maintained that Multidimensional is a genuine Group 1 performer, but his first three outings this year did little to prove that.

However, following glowing home reports he ran an excellent race in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot when collared by Macarthur, suggesting that he is now ready to show his true colours at the top level.

That contest was over a mile and a half, but with two furlongs less to travel, everything looks to be in Multidimensional's favour.

Durcan's mount Phoenix Tower is a shorter price than the selection, largely due to a good second behind Duke Of Marmalade in the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

The colt just got up to snatch second place on the line from Pipedreamer, so it's hard to envisage there being much between that pair again tomorrow.

Aidan O'Brien's Mount Nelson was installed ante-post favourite on the back of a good fifth over a mile behind stablemate Haradasun in the Queen Anne, but Sandown's gruelling 10 furlongs will surely expose any stamina limitations.

Sir Michael Stoute has a fine record in the race but his two runners, Maraahel and Rob Roy, appear to be up against it at this level.

Literato is the only Group 1 winner in the field but goes best with a bit of cut and Frankie Dettori has passed him over in favour of Godolphin's other runner, Campanologist.

The Italian gave the colt a great ride to win the King Edward VII but if he sets a stiff gallop from the front, it would undoubtedly play to Multidimensional's strengths.

Cecil rarely, if ever, hypes his horses, so when he puts so much faith in Multidimensional, it should pay to listen to the great man.

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