The clash of generations between City of Troy and White Birch looks to be on after both Irish stars were among 11 confirmations for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown July 6.
City of Troy, the brilliant Epsom Derby (G1) winner last month, is set to face older rivals for the first time in his career and will bid to join an illustrious roll of honor of Epsom winners to follow up in the Eclipse. It is nine years since Golden Horn last completed the double, while the great Sea The Stars achieved it in 2009.
He was one of four runners left in the race by Aidan O'Brien, who also has Luxembourg, last year's St Leger (G1) hero Continuous, and Hans Andersen still in contention.
The John Murphy-trained White Birch may lead the opposition, having missed the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot last month. The 4-year-old has been a revelation this season, including when defeating Auguste Rodin in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time.
Al Riffa, who was a group 1 winner as a juvenile, is the other Irish representative left in the field.
French Two Thousand Guineas (G1) runner-up Dancing Gemini is set to drop back in trip following his sixth-place finish in the Derby behind City of Troy, while Two Thousand Guineas (G1) and Prix du Jockey Club (G1) fourth Ghostwriter has also been confirmed. He could be one of two runners for owner Jeff Smith, with the filly See The Fire also engaged.
Jayarebe, who landed the Hampton Court Stakes (G3) during a fine Royal Ascot for trainer Brian Meehan, has been left in. The Hughie Morrison-trained Stay Alert could also make a rapid return having finished fifth in the Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) at the Curragh June 29.
City of Troy heads the betting with the race sponsors Coral for the Eclipse at 8-15, with White Birch a 7-2 chance ahead of Luxembourg at 8-1.
Coral spokesperson David Stevens said: "The Coral-Eclipse is renowned for being the first clash of the Classic generation against their elder rivals over 10 furlongs and in City of Troy versus White Birch we have a Derby hero taking on a group 1-winning 4-year-old, with the pair dominating the betting on this year's race."
