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Old 09-05-2006, 01:44 AM
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my miss storm cat my miss storm cat is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brockguy
though Alexander Goldrun might beat them all!
Much as i love half the (potential) field, that's what I've been thinking all day.

Just up on Racing Post.....


Weather could change Hurricane's course again

by Jon Lees and Tony O'Hehir

HURRICANE RUN could yet stay in France to run in the Prix Foy on Sunday rather than contest the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday, said his trainer Andre Fabre on Monday, voicing concern over ground conditions at Leopardstown.

“I’ve not yet decided,” said Fabre on Monday when ask if his superstar performer was an intended runner. Hurricane Run, winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot in July, was one of nine possibles left in the 10f contest along with Ouija Board, Alexander Goldrun and Dylan Thomas.

Fabre said: “It all depends on the weather conditions. The forecast is not very clear. There seems to be some rain about and some good weather – I’d like some rain to give us soft ground. If not, we’ll go to Longchamp.

“He won on good ground at Ascot, but soft ground will make the race longer. I’ll have to decide soon and am waiting for contacts with the owners.

“Shirocco is running in the Prix Foy and I don’t mind running the two if I have to. Rail Link is running in the Prix Niel and he’s a possible for the Arc as well.”

Dylan Thomas, the Budweiser Irish Derby winner who disappointed when fourth in the Juddmonte International at York last month, is one of three Aidan O'Brien-trained acceptors, although his participation is also in the balance.

Plans for Hurricane Run could influence whether Dylan Thomas will be in the line-up, although the likelihood of good ground at Leopardstown will strengthen the case for the Ballydoyle colt being allowed take his chance. O'Brien, who also left in Ace and Aussie Rules, said yesterday: “Nothing has really changed regarding Dylan Thomas and the Irish Champion Stakes. We will wait and make a decision in the next couple of days.

"Ace is an intended runner, while Aussie Rules was left in as he didn’t have a really hard race in the Prix du Moulin on Sunday. A decision about him running will be made on Thursday morning."

The ground at Leopardstown was described as good on Monday. Some rain was forecast for Monday night and Tuesday, with mainly dry weather expected for the rest of the week.

Leopardstown’s manager, Tom Burke, said: "If the forecast proves accurate I would expect the ground to be good for Saturday."

The home challenge is also likely to include five-time Group 1 winner Alexander Goldrun, who is also an acceptor for the Group 1 Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes on the same card.

Kevin Prendergast yesterday confirmed that Mustameet, the winner of three Listed races, the Group 3 International Stakes and the Group 2 Royal Whip Stakes this season, will be stepping up to Group 1 level for the first time in Saturday's big race.

The Charles O'Brien-trained Lord Admiral, a 200-1 shot with Cashmans, is also entered for the Group 3 Kilternan Stakes on the same card.

IRISH CHAMPION STAKES
William Hill: 11-10 (with a run) Hurricane Run, 9-4 Ouija Board, 3 Dylan Thomas, 4 Alexander Goldrun, 10 Mustameet, 12 Ace, 20 Rob Roy, Aussie Rules, 50 Lord Admiral
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