Cirrus Des Aigles (13/8) and FreeEagle (3/1) and now head the market with Paddy Power for Saturday’s Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot following the defection of Australia and the news that The Grey Gatsby won’t run despite being left in the race but will stay in training next year.

Aidan O’Brien could rely on either Kingsbarns or Ruler Of The World in Saturday’s Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot after admitting to fears about ground conditions for both Declaration Of War and Magician.

Before the off of today’s Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes (6.50) and Leopardstown, the weather will have had its say.

Here’s one who is a big fan of Battle Of Marengo and, right now, would not want to be on any other horse for the Epsom Derby.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien and his son, Joseph, have allayed fears about the well-being of leading Investec Derby contender Kingsbarns.