Out of respect for Her Majesty The Queen’s passing no racing will take place in the UK tomorrow, but racing in Ireland continues with the feature race, the Irish Champion Stakes, taking centre stage. Racing editor Rob Plumbridge has analysed the Irish Champion Stakes this Saturday in Ireland and given his verdict.
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Vadeni
Vedeni is a short priced favourite here hovering around at 11/10 but comes on the back of three wins in a row. The latest of these was a neck victory with Mishriff in behind. He re-opposes today and many believed that John Gosden’s horse was a shade unlucky that day and didn’t get the run.
Nevertheless Vadeni is the benchmark for this on the back of two wins in Group 1 company and will have his supporters.
Today’s Racecards
Mishriff
Mishriff has unfinished business with the favourite when arguably unlucky in the Eclipse. He’s since gone on to be a gallant second to Baaeed in the Juddmonte International. He was obviously no match for that rival, but none are. This looks very winnable for him if he can put it all together. He has had a tendency to miss the break or over race so he isn’t without dangers.
It’s also been a year since he won on that day at York so will need it to fall into place. On known form and talent he has to have a huge chance of landing this.
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Luxembourg
Aidan O’Brien’s colt was unbeaten as a juvenile and looked to have the world at his feat going into this season. He didn’t look right in the Guineas over a mile and was third that day. The form of that race isn’t exactly working out brilliantly, although the ill-fated Coroebus won at Royal Ascot.
He returned with a workmanlike win last month which wasn’t as easy as predicted given his 2/9 odds that day – winning by a neck – having to get back up having been headed.
The vibes from the Ballydoyle camp have been very good ahead of this and if he’s anywhere as near as talented as promised he should have a big say.
THE VERDICT
Vadeni wasn’t impressive enough for me in the Eclipse to warrant the 11/10 odds being quoted at the time of writing. He may well win, but I can’t be backing him at that price. Mishriff could well be the answer, however there is a nagging doubt in my mind about him getting it all right and putting his head in front. I have no doubts he will run a good race. That leaves me on LUXEMBOURG who I’m very willing to take a chance on at 5/1. This should be his trip, connections reckon they have him spot on for this and I think he could well be the fly in the ointment here.