Godolphin‘s Masar can join an elite band of horses to complete the Derby-Eclipse double when he lines up for the Coral-sponsored Group One at Sandown.
The feat has only be achieved five times since the end of the Second World War, with Tulyar in (1952), Mill Reef (1971), Nashwan (1989), Sea The Stars (2009) and Golden Horn (2015) standing tall in the annals of racing history.
Now it is Masar’s turn to join that illustrious honour when he takes on older horses in what is the first major clash of the generations in a season.
Masar heads to the Esher track with top-class credentials. Winner of the Solario Stakes there in September, the son of New Approach has ventured far and wide with trips to France, America and Dubai.
While he was not successful in any of those countries, the experience stood him in good stead and were crucial to his education.
His first victory of 2018 was a sight to behold at Newmarket where he blitzed his Craven Stakes rivals to scorch home by nine lengths.
His 2000 Guineas effort was creditable, though he had to settle for third place behind Saxon Warrior, but he reversed that form in some style at Epsom with a commanding performance.
Strangely, he has yet to run over a mile and a quarter but the evidence is it should suit him, as will the fast ground.
Masar delighted trainer Charlie Appleby in a workout at Newmarket at the weekend and Godolphin can celebrate another important triumph in a brilliant year for the team.
The day can start in the right vein for Godolphin with Sound And Silence in the Coral Charge.
The three-year-old sprinter has been burdened with a penalty for a Group Three success at Maisons-Laffitte in September but that has now gone.
Now he is back competing on equal terms, the son of Exceed And Excel can return to winning ways.
