Racing: Norse Dancer likely to take chance in Eclipse

David Elsworth confirmed yesterday that the twice classic-placed Norse Dancer is likely to be supplemented at a cost of £20,000 for the Group One Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on Saturday, 5 July.

The trainer said: "We would have our options open for Norse Dancer and if we do supplement him, it will be on 30 June." The three-year-old is the current 4-1 second-favourite with sponsor Corals.

Elsworth added that Persian Punch is likely to run in the Listed Theodore Goddard Esher Stakes at Sandown on the same day before tackling the Goodwood Cup on 31 July for a sixth time. Persian Punch, winner of the Goodwood Cup in 2001, showed signs of his old sparkle last week when second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Elsworth said: "I'm delighted that he has come out of the race so well and I have found a little Listed race at Sandown for him a couple of weeks before the Goodwood Cup.

"Now he's 10, he takes a hell of a lot of galloping to keep him fit. I would much rather give him a whizz round Sandown, where we will be running for money, rather than staying at home and working."