Flat season is underway.

Rip '95 per cent sound' as big day approaches


A DECISION on Rip Van Winkle's participation in the Stanjames 2,000 Guineas moved a little closer on Wednesday night after Aidan O'Brien said he was "95 per cent sound" following his late injury scare.



Although O'Brien will leave it until Thursday's declaration stage before making a final decision, he said: "We poulticed Rip Van Winkle's foot again on Wednesday night and not as much pus came out as had been the case the previous night. He's 95 per cent sound and, hopefully, will be perfect on Thursday morning and able to run."

O'Brien, who has yet to confirm riding plans, added: "Obviously when such things happen you have to miss a bit of work, but we were happy with him before he got the bruise and, hopefully, everything will be okay on Thursday.

Murtagh to take ride on Rip Van Winkle



JOHNNY MURTAGH will ride Rip Van Winkle in the Stanjames.com 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday if the colt continues to progress from the foot bruisewhich interrupted his preparation this week.

The Galileo colt, who is also entered in the Derby, is 7-2 joint-favourite for the race with impressive Craven Stakes winner Delegator.

Pat Smullenwill ride Mastercraftsman who will be trainer Aidan O'Brien's only other runner in the Classic.

O'Brien said on Thursday morning: "Rip Van Winkle has missed some work due to his foot bruise, but the problem has improved day by day. We have two more days to go before the race and, hopefully, he will continue to progress."

O'Brien's pair will face 15 rivals in the race.

Magic, you should be happy with this?

Meehan pleased with Delegator's high draw


BRIAN MEEHAN said on Thursday he was more than satisfied with Delegator's high draw for the Saturday's Stanjames.com 2,000 Guineas.

The favourite is drawn 15 of 17, and Meehan added: "That will be fine, just what I'd hoped for because we've several fancied ones around us."


Delegator breezed over 5f at Manton on Thursday, and the trainer said that his preparation had gone without a hiccup."He must have a great chance," he added.

Karl Burke said he was pleased with stall ten for Lord Shanakill. "I'd rather be there than either very wide or right down stuck on the fence," he said. "Middle to low was my preference, so I am happy enough with ten."

Rip Van Winkle is drawn five, and Mastercraftsman 12.

Barry Hills' Daraahem won the Chester Cup on his seasonal debut.

The four-year-old, under Richard Hills, took the lead a furlong and a half out and held off Henry Cecil's Ajaan by a neck with Halla San third and Desert Sea fourth.

Hills, who landed the 1000 Guineas with Ghanaati on Sunday, said: "It's been a memorable few days.

"He travelled well throughout, he's a good horse. What we do with him now I don't know.

"He was gelded during the winter and that has improved him a lot. The Northumberland Plate and those sort of races will suit him as he loves going a distance.

"When they do improve at that age there is no telling what they can do and Sea Pigeon won this race before going on to win the Ebor."

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Perfect Truth led from the front and held on by a short head from Phillipina to win the Cheshire Oaks.