Eclipse Stakes: Mukhadram ready for rematch

William Haggas: Trainer of Mukhadram.

Connections of Mukhadram have no objection to the colt striking from the front once again when he clashes with his Royal Ascot conqueror Al Kazeem in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday...

The four-year-old, trained by William Haggas, made a gallant attempt to make all the running in the Prince of Wales's Stakes but was caught in the dying strides by Roger Charlton's Tattersalls Gold Cup winner and beaten a neck.

Mukhadram came out of that race in excellent shape and showed his well-being ahead of the rematch with a spin on the gallops on Wednesday morning.

"William (Haggas) was thrilled the way he took the race and how he came out of it," said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, told At The Races.

"Richard Hills rode him a pipe-opener this morning and was absolutely delighted with the horse, that he moved beautifully.

"Paul (Hanagan) rode a beautiful race on the horse at Ascot. He set his own pace, kicked off the bend and had them all in trouble for a bit and it took what I feel is the best older horse in Europe all the Ascot straight to catch him.

"It was well above our horse's previous best and a great thrill.

"We've always said this horse doesn't need to make the running, but he's got a lovely long stride. If anything else wants to go on, fair enough.

"He's a horse you wouldn't want to settle out the back and use for his speed. He's got that great action, a good stride on him and a high cruising speed so I'm sure he'll be there or thereabouts.

"He's just stronger - he's matured and he's turning into a high-class horse."

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!