Wathnan Racing will employ a pacemaker strategy in Saturday’s Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, aiming to secure a strong pace for their contender Gethin. The Emir of Qatar’s team has paid £50,000 to run King’s Gambit, trained by Harry Charlton, with jockey Jamie Spencer tasked with setting the tempo on behalf of James Doyle, who rides Gethin.

The move seeks to avoid a slow, tactical race, which could hinder Gethin’s chances. Racing manager Richard Brown explained that the stable wanted to take control of the race dynamics amid uncertainty surrounding Aidan O’Brien’s final lineup, which may include French Derby winner Constitution River. “We’ve been watching the Eclipse for a number of weeks and it looked like it was going to be a tight field and that means it could turn into a tactical affair,” Brown said. “We are keen to ensure there is a good even gallop. A good even pace is what Gethin wants. If it was a small field and turned very tactical, that might not be perfect for him. He’s a powerful galloper.”

O’Brien has a strong presence in the nine-horse field, with four runners: Causeway, Constitution River, Flushing Meadows, and Hawk Mounton. Notably, Hawk Mounton finished just three-quarters of a length behind Constitution River in the Prix du Jockey Club. Other O’Brien family members are also represented: Joseph O’Brien trains Galen, while Donnacha O’Brien’s entry is A Boy Named Susie, owned by their sister Ana O’Brien. The sole non-O’Brien trained contender is Saddadd, trained by Roger Varian.

Gethin, trained by Owen Burrows, carries momentum into the race after finishing a neck behind Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May. Despite some reports describing the colt’s recent gallop as “sparkling,” Burrows downplayed the comments, calling it routine work. “James was happy with him,” Burrows said. “The Brigadier Gerard was only his sixth run so he is still learning. He’s a big lad who surely will improve as the season goes on.”

Wathnan’s tactical use of a pacemaker reflects a broader trend among top stables in major races, where controlling pace can be decisive in securing victories. The Coral-Eclipse Stakes, a Group One race over approximately 1¼ miles, regularly attracts a highly competitive field, and this year’s contest appears no different.