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| Staff Writer |
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Auguste Rodin, the impressive Dual Derby winner, is determined to regain his winning form as he faces off once again against the formidable King Of Steel in the prestigious Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown this Saturday.
Unfortunately, the Ballydoyle colt had a disappointing performance in his previous race, finishing last out of ten runners in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. However, this setback has not deterred him from his pursuit of victory, as he joins eight other contenders in the US$13,39,493.75 Group One race, which takes center stage during the thrilling Irish Champions Festival.
Trained by the renowned Aidan O'Brien, Auguste Rodin aims to secure O'Brien's fifth consecutive triumph in the Irish Champion Stakes. But his path to glory won't be easy, as he must once again face King Of Steel. Owned by Amo Racing, the colt is currently the joint-favorite at 11-4 odds with Paddy Power. King Of Steel proved his mettle by finishing ahead of Auguste Rodin for the first time in July's Ascot race, and he is determined to maintain his dominance.
Hukum, the victor of the King George race, thwarted both King Of Steel and Auguste Rodin in their previous encounter. Trainer Owen Burrows seeks to create another upset by entering Shadwell's York Stakes winner, Alflaila, ridden by the skilled jockey Jim Crowley, into the mix on Saturday.
Alflaila, is set to make his debut in Ireland alongside Nashwa, who aims to secure John Gosden his first victory in the race since 2018, this time alongside his son Thady.
Last year's champion, Luxembourg, is also returning to defend his title, having triumphed in another Group one race, the Tattersalls Gold Cup, in May. He will be joined by stablemate Point Lonsdale and the runner-up from last year, Onesto, who will provide Frankie Dettori with his first contender in the race since finishing third on Eminent six years ago.
Completing the field are Sprewell and Al Riffa, who will maintain his partnership with Christophe Soumillon after coming within a length of the favorite, Ace Impact, in the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano last month.
Here are the confirmed runners and riders for the Irish Champion Stakes:
- Alflaila ridden by Jim Crowley
- Luxembourg ridden by Seamie Heffernan
- Onesto ridden by Frankie Dettori
- Point Lonsdale ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle
- Nashwa ridden by Hollie Doyle
- Al Riffa ridden by Christophe Soumillon
- Auguste Rodin ridden by Ryan Moore
- King Of Steel ridden by Kevin Stott
- Sprewell ridden by Shane Foley
Onesto's Quest For Glory: A French Raider Takes On Irish Champions
Fabrice Chappet is optimistic that Onesto, last year's runner-up, will perform well in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday. The French challenger will face stiff competition from a field of nine, including King Of Steel and Auguste Rodin. Aidan O'Brien has three contenders, with Auguste Rodin considered his first string despite a disappointing performance in the King George at Ascot in July.
Chappet is pleased with Onesto's form and expects a good run from the horse, who he describes as versatile and capable of performing well over a range of distances.
Some bookmakers have Roger Varian's King Of Steel as the favorite for the race. The Coolmore America "Justify" Matron Stakes features 13 fillies, with Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes winner Tahiyra as the star attraction. In the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes, Aidan O'Brien has three runners, including Diego Velazquez, who is the hot favorite.