The Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown is the highlight of the Irish Champions Festival, attracting top contenders and excitement mid-Saturday afternoon. It’s a key race in the festival lineup. Read on to find the completed previews and best bet for this contest.
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The Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown stands out as one of the most anticipated races of the year, taking centre stage during the Irish Champions Festival. The race promises high-class competition, with a mix of established champions and rising stars set to battle it out over the 1m2f course.
The field is packed with quality, and the expectations surrounding this event are immense, particularly as it features a few intriguing British raiders facing off against some formidable Irish contenders. Winning this race demands a horse capable of withstanding the pressure of Group 1 competition, with both stamina and a turn of foot proving crucial in the closing stages.
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William Haggas’ rising star, Economics, has caught the eye of many, and it’s easy to see why he heads the betting markets. His victory in a Group 2 at Deauville demonstrated his class, and his performances leading into this race have fuelled belief that he is ready to step up to the challenge. This will be Economics’ toughest test to date, but Haggas’ confidence in him is evident. On the Irish side, Aidan O’Brien’s Auguste Rodin, the 2023 Derby winner, enters the race with a degree of unpredictability.
Though he has shown brilliance in the past, his inconsistency raises questions about which version of Auguste Rodin will show up on race day. Additionally, O’Brien brings a couple of other threats in Los Angeles and Luxembourg, both of whom could play significant roles in setting the race pace and determining the final outcome. The Japanese entry, Shin Emperor, adds international intrigue, though her inexperience in European racing may prove a barrier in this formidable field.
Upon closer examination of the runners, my best bet for this year’s Irish Champion Stakes is Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter. Currently available at 8/1, he presents an attractive option, especially when considering his strong performances this season. Although Ghostwriter has come up short in his recent outings, finishing just outside the top three in a series of highly competitive Group 1 races, he has faced some of the very best horses in Europe. The calibre of competition in those races, such as the likes of Look De Vega and City of Troy, has undoubtedly sharpened his abilities, making this contest a potentially less daunting task by comparison.
His ability to stay competitive at the highest level, even in defeat, marks him as a horse that is on the cusp of a significant breakthrough. With just seven starts under his belt, Ghostwriter still has room for further improvement, and he enters this race with the advantage of not having faced the same gruelling campaigns as some of his rivals. His ability to maintain a steady pace throughout, combined with the potential to quicken when needed, could make him the ideal candidate for the 1m2f distance at Leopardstown. This slightly easier field, compared to his recent contests, makes Ghostwriter a tempting option for those looking for value.
While Economics may be favoured by many, his short price of around 5/4 seems to underestimate the level of competition he is about to face. It’s important to note that Economics has yet to prove himself at this level, despite his obvious talent. If the pace of the race becomes too much for him, Ghostwriter could seize the opportunity to capitalise on the inexperience of his rival.
Meanwhile, Auguste Rodin carries undeniable talent but remains a highly unpredictable runner. His performance in the King George raised concerns, and while he is certainly capable of delivering a big performance, his inconsistency makes him a riskier proposition. Similarly, Los Angeles, although a strong stayer, may struggle with the trip in such an elite field without the assistance of Ryan Moore. Luxembourg, another Ballydoyle entry, has yet to fully recover from a below-par effort at Ascot, further weakening the case for the Irish contenders.
Among the longer shots, Royal Rhyme would require a significant amount of rain to be competitive, as his best form has come on softer ground. The weather forecast does not indicate any heavy rainfall, which diminishes his chances. Hans Andersen, another outsider, is unlikely to feature heavily given the high level of competition. Lastly, the Japanese contender, Shin Emperor, though interesting, faces an uphill task. Having failed to secure a victory in her home country this year, it’s hard to see her mounting a serious challenge against Europe’s best.
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