Sea The Stars will stake claim as one of greatest

SANDOWN // Sea The Stars, the dual British Classic winner, will attempt to tread the same path laid out by the great Nashwan 20 years ago by trying to win the Group One Eclipse Stakes today. Before Sea The Stars galloped into the history books by winning the Derby last month, no horse since Nashwan had managed to combine the sheer athleticism of winning the 2,000 Guineas over a mile with the balance and reserves of stamina necessary to win over a mile-and-a-half at Epsom. It is a special blend for a thoroughbred and this 10-furlong contest will provide another test of Sea the Stars' versatility.

Sandown's 10 furlongs seem ideal to John Oxx, the trainer of this year's Derby hero. "He's won the Derby so there's no lack of stamina, he proved he has pace though, by winning the Guineas. Ten furlongs will certainly suit him, but time will tell what is his best trip," he said. "His routine has stayed the same since winning at Epsom, you've just got to keep it going." [e-mail]