AIDAN O’BRIEN feels Rip Van Winkle (drawn 10) represents his best ever chance of winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

With Rip Van Winkle’s well-documented foot complaint now seemingly healed, O’Brien has backed the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes hero to go one place better.

The star colt also gave off the right signals in an encouraging piece of work, in tandem with Ballydoyle’s other Breeders’ Cup challengers, at the racetrack yesterday morning.

O’Brien said: “He hadn’t been on this surface (Pro-Ride) until this morning, but he floated on it and is a beautiful mover. I suppose I’ve no doubt in the world that he is our best chance in the Classic, if the season hasn’t taken its toll.”

Mastercraftsman also flexed his muscles ahead of the colt’s tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Despite having been unfavourably drawn, O’Brien is unfazed by an allegedly troublesome berth.

O’Brien said: “I don’t think stall one will be a problem. Mastercraftsman’s best ever run was over six furlongs and he wants a real hard, fast pace, which he should get in the Mile.”