THE “WILL he – won’t he run” drama surrounding Sea The Stars could continue up to just a few hours before tomorrow’s Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
John Oxx surprised many by declaring the world’s highest rated racehorse among a final field of nine runners for the €1 million highlight at yesterday’s final stage after walking the track in the morning.
However, the Curragh trainer stressed that Sea The Stars will only take part in a potentially epic race if ground conditions improve significantly.
“I have declared Sea The Stars even though the ground at the moment is too soft for him. He would not race today or tomorrow but given the forecast for drying conditions I have no option but to leave him in the race to give him every opportunity to run – should conditions improve significantly,” Oxx said in a statement.
“If there are further heavy showers in the meantime they will ruin all chance of him running. But if the showers avoid Leopardstown we could delay a final decision until midday on Saturday.”
Ground conditions were officially yielding to soft when Oxx walked the track in the morning but significantly the Leopardstown authorities were reporting improved going yesterday evening. “It was very windy and sunny in the morning and even though we’ve had one or two light showers in the afternoon I would guess the ground is closer to yielding now,” said manager Tom Burke. “Tomorrow’s forecast is for similar weather but with less showers.”
All the stops are being pulled out at the Dublin course in order to keep open the possibility of a mouth-watering race-of-the-season clash between Sea The Stars and Fame And Glory with Aidan O’Brien also leaving the top miler Mastercraftsman in the field among a five-strong Ballydoyle entry.
Two courses will be in use on Saturday with the two Group One races run on an outer track. Burke said: “We have decided on the use of two tracks to try and ensure the best possible conditions for the Group Ones.”
Bookmaker reaction to the declaration of Sea The Stars was mixed with William Hill installing the Epsom Derby winner as a 10 to 11 favourite with the Curragh Derby winner Fame And Glory a 6 to 4 chance.
Saturday’s other top-flight prize is the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes which has a final field of eight, including two high-class British-trained runners in Rainbow View and Heaven Sent.
Michael Kinane will ride the Michael Stoute-trained Heaven Sent while David Wachman is set to give his Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Again a first start since finishing down the field in Royal Ascot’s Coronation Stakes.
* Tonight’s scheduled meeting at Kilbeggan was cancelled yesterday due to a waterlogged track.
