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| Staff Writer |
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The stage is set for a titanic clash in Saturday's Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown with Economics and Auguste Rodin headlining a star-studded field of 12 contenders at the confirmation stage.
William Haggas-trained Economics is stepping up to Group One company for the first time, bringing an unbeaten record and a wealth of potential. In stark contrast, the Aidan O'Brien-conditioned Auguste Rodin returns as the defending champion, seeking to add a seventh top-level triumph to his already glittering resume.
The Ballydoyle maestro is holding a strong hand, with Irish Derby hero Los Angeles, 2022 winner Luxembourg, Continuous, and Hans Andersen all remaining in contention.
Adding an intriguing international dimension, Japanese raider Shin Emperor is set to make the journey, while the British challenge is further bolstered by Clive Cox's Ghostwriter and Karl Burke's Royal Rhyme.
A formidable French contingent is also taking shape, with Jerome Reynier leaving in both Zarakem and Facteur Cheval. The French 2000 Guineas victor Metropolitan remains a possibility for Mario Baratti, ensuring a truly cosmopolitan affair.
The Irish Champion Stakes boasts a rich history of producing exceptional winners. Last year's victor, Auguste Rodin, went on to claim the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf. Previous champions include the likes of Magical, who secured back-to-back victories in 2019 and 2020, and the incomparable Roaring Lion, who triumphed in 2018 before adding the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes to his haul.
The Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes kicks off the Group One action, with 14 high-class fillies standing their ground.
Donnacha O'Brien's Porta Fortuna is chasing a Group One hat-trick after her Coronation Stakes and Falmouth Stakes successes. The Karl Burke-trained Fallen Angel, who bested Porta Fortuna in last year's Moyglare Stud Stakes, is set for her eagerly anticipated return since claiming Irish 1,000 Guineas glory in May.
George Boughey's Soprano could make the trip from Britain, while the unbeaten Jancis represents Willie McCreery. Aidan O'Brien relies on the promising Ylang Ylang to uphold Ballydoyle honour.
Sunday's Curragh card centres around the Comer Group International Irish St Leger, with Ballydoyle's star stayer Kyprios taking top billing.
Despite a setback in last year's renewal, the 6YO has emphatically reclaimed his position atop the division with four consecutive victories this season, including prestigious triumphs in the Gr.1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and the Gr.1 Goodwood Cup.
However, competition looms large with his high-class stablemate Continuous, Marco Botti's Giavellotto, and the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban all potential rivals.
Sprint Sensations and Juvenile Jewels
The Gr.1 Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes has attracted a field of 20 contenders, headlined by Archie Watson's dual Group One winner Bradsell. George Boughey's Believing and Ken Condon's defending champion Moss Tucker add further intrigue to the sprint showdown.
In the juvenile ranks, Aidan O'Brien dominates the Moyglare Stud Stakes entries with six of the eight fillies, including the unbeaten Bedtime Story. However, Ger Lyons' Red Letter and the supplemented Simmering from Ollie Sangster's yard promise to provide stern opposition.
The Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes sees O'Brien's Henri Matisse leading a potential field of 10, with Charlie Appleby's supplemented Vintage Stakes winner Aomori City adding international flair to the two-year-old colts' contest.