Medicean Upsets Tobougg and Black Minnaloushe in Eclipse Stakes

Cheveley Park Stud's homebred Medicean remained unbeaten as a 4-year-old Saturday, when he posted a half-length victory in the Coral Eurobet Eclipse Stakes (Eng-I) at Sandown Park. Earlier this year, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt won the Juddmonte Lockinge (Eng-I) and Queen Anne (Eng-II) Stakes.

As rain fell on the course listed as good to firm, Medicean rallied to the lead inside the final sixteenth-mile after Grandera assumed the lead from Bach with less than a furlong to run. Medicean (Machiavellian--Mystic Goddess, by Storm Bird) completed the 1 1/4 miles and seven yards in 2:04.65 under Kieren Fallon in earning his first win at a distance greater than a mile.

3-year-old Grandera finished second, a neck in front of Bach. 3-1 favorite Tobougg was a head farther back in fourth, a head in front of Entenmanns Irish Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-I) and St. James's Palace Stakes (Eng-I) winner Black Minnaloushe. There was a gap of 15 lengths back to Tobougg's pacesetting stablemate Broche, who was followed by Darwin and Endless Hall. Holding Court was scratched.

As a 3-year-old Medicean defeated Observatory by a length in the Celebration Mile (Eng-II) and finished behind Giant's Causeway while third in both the St. James's Palace Stakes (Eng-I) and Champagne Lanson Sussex Stakes (Eng-I). (Chart, Sporting Life)