3 minute read

White Birch’s participation in Saturday’s Eclipse Stakes remains in question, with a breeze and blood work set to occur on Wednesday before a final decision is made.

The John Joseph Murphy -trained grey achieved some solid form as a three-year-old, including a third in the Epsom Derby behind Auguste Rodin, but has shown the same characteristics as his sire Ulysses – improving again at four.

He turned the tables with old rival Auguste Rodin when winning the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in comfortable fashion, and is set to meet this year's Epsom Derby hero City Of Troy in an Eclipse clash.

"The plan is to go to Sandown and he will have a breeze tomorrow (Wednesday) and he will have his blood done in the morning again, with a decision made after midday," said assistant trainer, George Murphy.

"Hopefully we will be able to go and we're really looking forward to it."