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Fresh off the back of a 100th European Classic success, Aidan O’Brien suggested that it is ‘very possible’ Paddington will take on Emily Upjohn in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown as six remain in this weekend’s ten-furlong feature.
Aidan O'Brien landed the ten-furlong prize with champion three-year-old St Mark's Basilica in 2021 and the master of Ballydoyle could well unleash another highly-promising three-year-old in the shape of Paddington this weekend.
The son of Siyouni would be stepping up to ten furlongs and tackling his elders for the first time on the back of a facile three-and-a-three-quarter length success over English 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
Speaking on Nick Luck Daily, O'Brien said: "We've seen what he can do over a mile, and he seems to be progressing.
"His pedigree always suggested that he shouldn't have a problem going further. It's very possible that he could go to the Eclipse.
"He seems very well, everyone who rides him at home all seem very happy with him, we'll probably decide on Tuesday or Wednesday but it's possible.
"He came out of Ascot very well and he can go to the Eclipse and still go back [to a mile] at Goodwood, which we have done before. So, we're leaving the option open there for him at the moment."
Paddington has been very well-supported in recent days and is now the new 5/4 market leader with Paddy Power as the three-year-old featured amongst the six confirmations on Monday lunchtime.
Ante-post favourite Emily Upjohn, who will be ridden by William Buick with Frankie Dettori sidelined following a nine-day careless riding ban, is a general 13/8 chance while recent Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan winner Anmaat is 6/1 for the Owen Burrows team.
Paddington's stablemate Luxembourg is a current 10/1 shot, with William Haggas' Dubai Honour and the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained West Wind Blows rounding out the sextet.