Rip Van Winkle for dream run in Irish Champion Stakes
When Rip Van Winkle won the Juddmonte International at York two weeks ago, Aidan O’Brien said: “He’s in a really good place now and he’s really on an upward curve."
As the colt had just beaten Twice Over and Byword, respectively the winners of the Eclipse and Prince of Wales’s Stakes, just how much more upward that curve might be is open to speculation but it should be enough for Rip Van Winkle to win the Group One Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
The small field should not fall prey to a false pace with Rip Van Winkle’s stable companion, Beethoven, there to set a gallop for both Rip Van Winkle and Cape Blanco, who showed speed at this distance when winning the Dante Stakes at York in May prior to winning the Irish Derby at the Curragh in July.
Twice Over opposes Rip Van Winkle once more but did appear to be beaten fair and square at York while the ground seems to be against Famous Name and Sea Lord could just be a bit out of his depth at this level despite his progressive profile.
The other Group One race on the card, the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes, brings together a collection of fillies many of whom have raced against one another with conflicting results. However, Bethrah was unbeaten in three runs this spring which culminated in her victory in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh, where she had Music Show a close third, Lillie Langtry fifth and Gile Na Greine well behind in 17th. Her summer break may have her fresher than others who have campaigned through the summer.
The feature race in Britain is the Group One Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock Park. Starspangledbanner may have been brought to earth when he finished second to Sole Power in the Nunthorpe, over five furlongs, but the return to six furlongs – over which he won both the Golden Jubilee Stakes and July Cup – should suit him well. He is at least 3lbs clear of the field, according to official ratings, and the main danger, Regal Parade, would probably prefer softer ground.
Mark Johnston seems to specialise in tough horses but, even by his standards, Lady Eclair takes some beating. She has won four of her last six starts and despite a 4lb rise for her last victory she may still have enough to win the Betfred Kingspin Old Borough Cup.
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