Owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum includes two live contenders from the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown – in which Elarqam along with Madhmoon will sport his silks that are famous.
Have the colours not because John Gosden’s Muhtarram provided him with a second win.
At Derby runner-up Madhmoon and also the supplemented Elarqam, who had been third in the Juddmonte International at Yorkhe has two realistic opportunities.
His racing director Angus Gold said:”We obviously already had one legitimate rival for the race at Madhmoon, however Sheikh Hamdan and (coach ) Mark (Johnston) both believed it’d be a lengthy time between races when we waited to get the English Champion together with Elarqam, and who knows what might happen between now and then?
“I was quite impressed with Elarqam in York, and if we’d ridden him somewhat handier I don’t believe he would have been far away.
“The front two quickened away – he was a bit farther back than perfect and did not have a clean run. I am not saying he would have won but for that, if things were different, but he could have gone pretty close.
“(Trainer) Kevin (Prendergast) is extremely satisfied with Madhmoon, which is the obvious race for him. Personally, I think a mile and a quarter will end up being his very best trip, but I know (jockey) Chris Hayes believes he could even end up back at a mile.
“I think that it’s very hard to pick between the two of these. I think Madhmoon might have greater rate than Elarqam, and it’s perhaps the quicker horse – but if he’s a horse that is better or not, it’s tough to say.”
Experienced coach Prendergast is looking for his first win in the race and told irishchampionsweekend.ie:”I couldn’t be pleased with the form he’s in. As for his trip that is ideal, together with his form in the Classics this year, it would be difficult to say – but certainly 10 furlongs won’t be a problem.
“The race the previous day served its purpose. It was good to see him drop back into a mile and reveal the tempo to win over that trip. I really don’t think approaches will matter ”
The filly Magical appears to possess a profile, although aidan O’Brien contains four runners, including Derby protagonist Anthony Van Dyck – .
“We’ve been really satisfied with Magical because she conducted in York,” explained O’Brien.
“The plan was always to go to York, then visit the Irish Champion – and even then when all goes well, then go to the Arc. We’ve been quite happy with her because, and she came the race out .
“Anthony Van Dyck is in good order. His last series was a non-event, because they went somewhat quick and the ground was a bit soft.”
Hunting Horn along with Magic Wand additionally represent Ballydoyle.
Roger Charlton’s Headman was advancing at a rate of knots and also has since won two Group Twos at France this summer.
“It is a huge jump up in class, but I’ve been pleased with all the horse,” said Charlton.
“It is really the only real race to operate in, because there are no longer three-year-old-only races and having won 2 Group Twos, there’s absolutely no point giving away weight in another Group Two.
“I don’t think both of the French races satisfied him. I believe that the course and the race’s fashion will fit him better, and also that I feel there is a surface that is quicker exactly what he desires.
“I presume there are also a better rate, and they won’t go like they did in France last time out. He is a horse, and you don’t need to be breaking that stride.
“I think that horse is one for the future, and I am sure he’ll keep improving. I believe he will be better next year.”
Adding further spice to the race would be the contender Deirdre, who will be ridden by Oisin Murphy – because she had been to win against the Nassau Stakes.
“I sat on Tuesday, and she sensed super, but it’s a very very good race,” explained Murphy.
“I believe Magical seems the one to conquer, no doubt, but she moves there with a great chance.
“In Goodwood she was back to her best, after she would run disappointingly on her debut at Ascot – so we will see what she is made of.”
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