Opposition to hot favourite Authorized in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes appears to be dwindling. Several of the Vodafone Derby winner's intended rivals are not certain to line up against him at Sandown on Saturday.
Lucarno, Mashaahed and Pressing are all unlikely to take their chances while Aidan O'Brien has warned he is worried about the wet weather for George Washington and Duke Of Marmalade.
The Ballydoyle trainer still has four other possibles among the 13 left in the 10-furlong feature.
In response, the big-race sponsors have trimmed Authorized to 4 to 9 from 8 to 13. "We're still hopeful that George Washington will line up on Saturday, as the presence of last season's champion miler would clearly add much to the contest," said spokesman David Stevens.
"However, it's not surprising punters are taking no chances and backing the Derby winner at odds-on, as he is proven on soft ground and over the trip."
Ballydoyle rider Seamus Heffernan, however, believes George Washington is "unbeatable" on his day as he assessed the stable's prospects.
"They are all really good horses but the outstanding horse for me would be George Washington. If he gets it right on the day he's unbeatable," he explained.
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