Irish Champion Stakes

**Loyal2TheRoyal** Sat Sep 04, 2010 2:48 pm

Rip Van Winkle - 3yo season blighted by foot injury, finally came good at Goodwood and Ascot over a mile before failing to perform in the States, 4yo campaign not as profilic but back to brilliant best last time when getting up in the final strides to nab today's rival Twice Over. This morning's rain a concern however and will possibly need to repeat York performance and more to score again.

Twice Over - Coral Eclipse victory sandwiched between two seconds good enough to win most renewals of a Prince of Wales' or International but met two top class rivals in both contests. The surprising easier conditions has seen sudden collapse in price and a reversal of York form looks all the more likely now.

Cape Blanco - Unbeaten at two before struggling to get in the mix at Chantilly, back to something like his best in the Irish Derby and latest no match for runaway King George winner Harbinger. Drop back in trip certainly in his favour but suspect rain softened ground may blunt his turn of foot.

Famous Name - One runner in the field who will enjoy getting his toe stuck into the ground but suspicion is that he is just off this level, came up short four times out of four in this company and despite coming here off the back of three wins, worry that he simply lacks the ability of a few of his opponents.

Sea Lord - Second of the overseas raiders for Johnston/Fallon combination, impressive in the Totesport Mile at Glorious Goodwood and stepped up to pattern level susbsequently to nose Poets Voice in a Group Three, extra distance may suit but likely outcome is that this is a step in class too far.

Beethoven - The last of the Ballydoyle trio, and presumably in the race to ensure the race isnt run at a silly pace, but on the best of his form, reigning Dewhurst winner, has a outside chance of making the money.

VERDICT - Rip Van Winkle and Twice Over ought to be fighting out the finish but looking at the Matron Stakes, the rain really has got into the ground which might open it up for an outsider like Famous Name to cause a shock. Aidan O'Brien has now won the first three races on the card though and fortune does seem to be shining on that part of Tipperary today but perhaps the best value still lies in backing Twice Over to turn the tables and take the prize back to the UK for the first time since when 1997 when Pilsudski was victorious.