Jean-Claude Rouget ready for first foray to Sandown with Eclipse favourite Vadeni

Jean-Claude Rouget has never had a runner at Sandown Park, yet hopes Vadeni can give him a 100% record at the Esher track and become the first French-trained winner of the Coral-Eclipse since Javelot in 1960.

The select field of six is headed by Vadeni, who took his rivals apart in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly at the start of June with a blistering burst of acceleration.

It was a marked step up for the Churchill colt from a cosy prep in a Group Three contest at the same track and he is seeking continue his upward curve in what looks a particularly strong renewal.

"He is in good form. It will be a big test for him against older horses," said Rouget.

"He surprised us at Chantilly with the manner in which he won – by five lengths. He showed a good turn of foot in the Prix du Jockey Club. We knew he had a change of gear. He was exciting to watch."

Vadeni started his three-year-old campaign in April over a mile with a close-up fifth to stablemate Welwal in the Prix de Fountainebleau at Longchamp.

"The Prix de Fountainebleau was very smooth and he was not fully fit – it was a run to get him ready for the Prix du Jockey Club," added Rouget, who is under no illusions of the task facing the Aga Khan-owned runner.

"Saturday will be a tough race. It is a very strong race, and an interesting one, and perhaps the strongest for many years. We have not had a runner at Sandown before, but we think the stiff finish will help him."

Connections have stated that Vadeni's optimum trip will likely be the mile and a quarter he faces at Sandown, and insist they have no concerns about the track, especially with the vastly experienced big-race jockey Christophe Soumillon continuing the partnership.

The Aga Khan’s racing manager Georges Rimaud