Irish Champion

Greatly looking forward all week to going to Leopardstown for the Irish Champion Stakes and with John Oxx giving the nod, should get to see a great race. Sea The Stars is going to have to defy the Ballydoyle legions again, with both Fame and Glory and Mastercraftsman running. While conditions will not be perfect, tactics may have a greater bearing on the outcome. Sea The Stars' half brother, Galileo came a cropper on this day in 2001 when Godolphin's superior tactical awareness give Fantastic Light a crucial 2 lengths on the turn due Richard Hills adroitly moving off the rails. Galileo's pilot that day was M.J. Kinane and I would be surprised if it was not a lesson well learnt. It all adds to the intrigue as both Fame and Glory and Mastercraftsman are genuine Group 1 horses who in another season would be definite winners. Aidan O'Brien was quoted in the week suggesting that they were outfoxed by Kinane at Epsom, but seemingly fails to recognise that Sea The Stars' early high cruising speed allows him to control races. This is the crucial factor and why I expect him to prevail!! As an aside it will interesting to see how Casual Conquest's Arc preparations are coming along (fitted with blinkers this time).

The supporting card includes another Group 1, the Matron Stakes which this year looks a weak renewal. Old friend Rainbow View gets another chance but hard to fancy at evens.

The third Group 1 of the day is at Haydock, the Beftred Sprint. Kieren Fallon will be keenly supported on his return to this level which may skew the market. It is a very competitive field but expect Main Aim (with a drop of rain) to avenge his defeat at Newmarket and land the spoils.

good luck....