Dancing Gemini Aims for Group 1 Glory in Coral-Eclipse
Lambourn-based trainer Roger Teal is looking forward to having another crack at the prestigious Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park this weekend, having previously tasted the race in 2009 with his 100/1 shot Steele Tango.
Fifteen years ago, Steele Tango finished over 14 lengths behind the brilliant Derby winner Sea The Stars, but this time, Teal’s current three-year-old star Dancing Gemini looks set to go off as the second-favorite following the news that White Birch would miss the weekend feature.
Dancing Gemini was a Listed winner at two and has taken his form to new levels this term, finishing a half-length second in the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp before finishing sixth to City Of Troy in the Betfred Derby on June 1. Teal is well aware of the challenge facing his Camelot colt, who must try to bridge the gap with Aidan O’Brien’s brilliant Epsom winner, but the trainer is proud to be represented in such a prestigious race in the British racing calendar.
“It’s a race that I’ve enjoyed watching for years and years – we had a taste of it with Steele Tango against Sea The Stars a few years ago. Whatever wins it goes on to prove themselves one of the top horses around,” said Teal.
The trainer believes the step back to a mile and a quarter will be ideal for Dancing Gemini, who just failed to stay the Derby distance. Teal is not concerned about the going, whether it’s a bit of rain or stays dry, and is happy to run the horse.
“Obviously, City Of Troy is a very good horse, Aidan is very confident and has been bullish about him, even after the Guineas. We have got to respect him but roll our sleeves up and if we get anywhere near him then we’ll have run a blinder,” added Teal.
Kieran Shoemark has been drafted in for the ride, with Dylan Browne McMonagle unavailable and Oisin Murphy – who rode Dancing Gemini in work recently at Kempton – required to be in the north-west for a Group-race ride at Haydock.
Teal is confident in Shoemark’s abilities, stating that the recently under-fire jockey will emerge from a relatively frustrating spell as a better rider.
The Coral-Eclipse Stakes is set to be a thrilling contest, and Racing fans will be eager to see if Dancing Gemini can upstage the mighty Epsom winner and claim a prestigious Group 1 victory.
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