Owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum has two contenders in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown – in which Elarqam and Madhmoon will match with his famous silks.
Have the colours not since John Gosden’s Muhtarram provided him with another win.
In the supplemented Elarqam, that had been third at the Juddmonte International at York and Derby runner-up Madhmoon , he has two chances.
His racing director Angus Gold explained:”We obviously already had a single legitimate rival for the race at Madhmoon, but Sheikh Hamdan and (trainer) Mark (Johnston) possibly felt it would be a lengthy time between races if we waited for the English Champion together with Elarqam, and who knows what might happen between then and now?
“I was rather impressed with Elarqam at York, and when we had ridden him a bit handier I do not think he would have been far off.
“The leading two quickened away – he was a bit farther back than ideal and did not have a clean run. I am not saying he’d have won for that, if things had been different but he might have gone fairly close.
“(Trainer) Kevin (Prendergast) is extremely happy with Madhmoon, and this is the apparent race . Personally, I think a mile and a quarter is going to wind up being his best trip, but I understand (jockey) Chris Hayes feels he could even end up back in a mile.
“I think that it’s very tough to pick between the two of these. I believe Madhmoon might have more speed than Elarqam, and it’s perhaps the horse – but whether he is a horse that is better or not, it is hard to say.”
Experienced coach Prendergast is looking for his first win in the race and informed irishchampionsweekend.ie:”I could not be happier with the form he’s in. As for his excursion, with his form from the Classics this season, it would be hard to say – but surely 10 furlongs won’t be a issue.
“The race that the previous day served its goal. It was good to see him drop back into a mile and reveal the tempo to win that trip over. I don’t think tactics will matter ”
Aidan O’Brien has four runners, such as Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck, however, the filly Magical seems to possess a constant profile – that she only sadly keeps trickling into Permit.
“We have been really happy with Magical because she ran in York,” said O’Brien.
“The plan was to visit York, then visit the Irish Champion – and even then when all goes well, then visit the Arc. We’ve been happy with her because, and she came that the race out really well.
“Anthony Van Dyck is in good order. His final run was a non-event, since they probably went somewhat quick and the floor was somewhat soft”
Hunting Horn along with Magic Wand also represent Ballydoyle.
The Headman of roger Charlton has been improving at a rate of knots and has won two Group Twos at France.
“It is a significant jump up in class, but I have been pleased with all the horse,” said Charlton.
“It is truly the only real race to run in, because there are no more three-year-old-only races and won two Group Twos, there’s not any point giving away weight in another Group Two.
“I do not think either of the French races satisfied him. I think the manner of the race and that the course will suit him better, and also that I think a faster surface is what he needs.
“I assume there are also a better rate, and they won’t go as they did in France last time out. He’s a horse, and you do not wish to be breaking this stride.
“I believe this horse is one for the near future, and I am sure he will keep improving. I think he will be better next year.”
Adding spice would be – .
“I stumbled on her on Tuesday, and that I felt super, but it is a really very great race,” said Murphy.
“I believe Magical looks the one to conquer, no doubt, but she goes there with a great chance.
“At Goodwood she was back to her after she’d run disappointingly on her British debut at Ascot – so we will see what she is made of.”
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