RACING/Eclipse stakes: Motivator is firmly in the driving seat for today's Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown following the hammer-blow news that Shamardal will miss the race. A mouth-watering renewal of the all-aged contest was in prospect, with the Epsom Derby hero set to lock horns with Godolphin's dual-Classic winner in front of a sell-out crowd.

The gloss has gone with Shamardal's retirement through injury, and with Motivator such an outstanding individual it would be a major surprise if anything else could prevent him maintaining his unbeaten record.

Few horses travel as well as the Michael Bell-trained colt did in the Derby, and he only had to be given the signal to pull well clear. He showed the kind of acceleration only a true champion has, and that change of gear should be the crucial factor today.

Although Motivator will be stepping back to 10 furlongs, the manner of his victory in the Dante Stakes over a similar trip at York suggests it will be no problem at all. Aidan O'Brien's Oratorio looks the danger.

Resplendent Glory looks to be a real up-and-coming star in the sprint ranks and he can make it four on the trot in the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Sprint Stakes.