Hamdan duo target Irish Champion Stakes

Owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum includes two contenders from the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown – where Elarqam and Madhmoon will match with his famous silks.
Not because John Gosden’s Muhtarram provided him with a win at the race 1993 have the colours.
Back in Derby runner-up Madhmoon along with also the Elarqam, who was third in the Juddmonte International at York, he has two realistic opportunities.
His racing manager Angus Gold stated:”We obviously already had one valid contender for the race at Madhmoon, however Sheikh Hamdan and (coach ) Mark (Johnston) possibly felt it’d be a lengthy time between races when we waited to get the English Champion together with Elarqam, and who knows what might happen between then and now?
„I was very impressed with Elarqam in York, and when we’d ridden him a bit handier I do not believe he’d have been far off.
„The front two quickened away – he was somewhat further back than perfect and did not have a clean run. I’m not saying he would have won for that, if things were different, however he might have gone close.
„(Trainer) Kevin (Prendergast) is extremely happy with Madhmoon, and this is the clear race . I personally think a mile and a quarter will end up being his best excursion, but I understand (jockey) Chris Hayes feels he could end up back in a mile.
„I think that it’s very tough to select between the both of them. I believe Madhmoon might have more speed than Elarqam, and that so will be perhaps the quicker horse – but whether he is a horse that is better or not, it is difficult to say”
Veteran trainer Prendergast is seeking his first win at the race and told irishchampionsweekend.ie:”I couldn’t be pleased with the shape he is in. In terms of his trip that is ideal, with his form in the Classics this year, it would be tough to say – but surely 10 furlongs will not be a issue.
„The race the last day served its purpose. It was great to see him fall back into a mile and then show the pace to win over that excursion. I really don’t think approaches will matter either.”
The filly Magical appears to have a profile, although aidan O’Brien has four runners, such as Derby protagonist Anthony Van Dyck – .
„We have been really pleased with Magical because she conducted in York,” said O’Brien.
„The strategy was to go to York, then visit the Irish Champion – and even then if all works well, then visit the Arc. We’ve been quite happy with her and she also came the race out really well.
„Anthony Van Dyck is in good order. His last run was a non-event, since they probably went a bit quick and the floor was a bit soft”
Hunting Horn and Magic Wand represent Ballydoyle.
The Headman of roger Charlton was improving at a rate of knots and has won two Group Twos at France.
„This is a huge jump up in class, but I’ve been delighted with all the horse,” said Charlton.
„It is truly the only real race to run in, as there are no more three-year-old-only races and won 2 Group Twos, there’s not any use giving weight away in another Group Two.
„I don’t think either of the French races appropriate him. I believe also the type of the race and that the course will suit him better, and I feel there is a quicker surface exactly what he wants.
„I assume there are also a better pace, and they will not go like they did in France last time out. He’s a long-striding horse, and you also don’t need to be breaking that stride.
„I think this horse is one for the near future, and I am sure he will keep advancing. I think he’ll be better next year.”
Adding additional spice is the rival Deirdre, who is ridden by Oisin Murphy – .
„I stumbled on her on Tuesday, and she sensed super, but it is a very very good race,” explained Murphy.
„I think Magical seems the one to beat, no doubt, but she moves there with a great chance.
„In Goodwood she was back to her best, after she’d run disappointingly in her debut at Ascot – so we will see what she’s made from.”

Read more here: http://wonbaek.de