RIP VAN Winkle may not make his seasonal debut until Royal Ascot if he does not start in next month’s Lockinge Stakes.

Last year’s Sussex Stakes and QEII winner is one of a number of smart horses for whom Aidan O’Brien is mapping plans.

“Rip Van Winkle is well, he will either start in the Juddmonte Lockinge at Newbury or could go straight to the Prince of Wales Stakes or the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot,” the master of Ballydoyle said on his website, www.aidanobrien.ie.

O’Brien has slightly altered plans for last year’s Irish Derby winner Fame And Glory, who was only third on his return in a Listed race at the Curragh on Sunday.

“Fame And Glory came out of his race well, he might go to the High Chaparral Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh next, as the Prix Ganay might just come a little bit too soon for him.”

Of several other older horses, O’Brien reported: “Starspangledbanner (an Australian import) did his first canter on the grass this morning and we were very happy with him.

“We are hoping to have him ready for a run in the Duke of York Stakes at York.

“Age Of Aquarius is well, he had a little hold-up with a bruised foot, but, everything going well, he might start back in the Boodles Ormonde Stakes at Chester.”

O’Brien had an updated bulletin on some of the Classic crop, too.

“Cabaret is back cantering after a little break, she might start back in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes in York.

“Alfred Nobel will probably have his next run in the Weatherbys Greenlands stakes at the Curragh. Mikhail Glinka is in good form, he will probably have his first run in the PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax at Leopardstown (on Sunday).”

Also in the Ballysax is Mister Carter, who won for the in-form Tommy Stack on his debut late last month, while only Carraiglawn is still a maiden of the remaining six contenders.

Eddie Harty’s Captain Cee Bee is on course to return to action at Punchestown next week in a bid to end the season on a high. The JP McManus-owned nine-year-old, who burst a blood vessel when well beaten in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham, holds entries in the Ryanair Novice Chase on Thursday week and the Rabobank Champion Hurdle a day later.

“We gave him a nice break and he went back to JP’s Martinstown Stud for a couple of weeks – a proper break away from the yard let him freshen up – and he’s come back in great form,” Harty said.

“His obvious target is the two-mile novice chase and we made a decision to put him in the Champion Hurdle just as an option.

“We’re just keeping our options open by having him in the Champion Hurdle in case it cut up terribly at the five-day stage. He’s worked well since he’s come back, so it’s fingers crossed and it’s onwards and upwards for Punchestown.”

Cheltenham racegoers are in for a treat as Grand National hero Don’t Push It and Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander are to parade during Friday evening’s meeting at the course.