Vic to be champion

Milldean Panther will miss the upcoming Ladbrokes.com Derby and will not race again this year. That was the disappointing news that broke yesterday morning following the confirmation that he has an injured Achilles.

The Shelbourne Park 525 yards track record holder will now recommence stud duties, although connections hope to have him back on the track in 2013.

In his absence, Ballymac Vic is now clear favourite for Irish Derby glory and the improving tracker is likely to start favourite to clinch the townviewfoods.com Champion Stakes at Shelbourne Park this evening.

There is a terrific line-up for the €20,000-to-the-winner contest but he and Razldazl Bugatti are well drawn in traps three and four respectively.

Liam Dowling’s dog moved wide in the early stages of his semi-final , but that was from trap one and he should go up straight from tonight’s draw.

If doing so, he should lead and thereafter it would be very difficult for his rivals to get back on terms.

Droopys Jet, who remains unbeaten around here, could emerge as the biggest threat from a perfect draw on the rail, while Sparta Maestro will be arriving fast and late.

Elsewhere on the card the final of the Champion Plate should also produce a fascinating contest.

After a superb semi-final display, Razldazl Apollo has been handed a favourable pitch in the blue jacket and he looks the one to side with. His two main rivals come in the form of Tyrur Sugar Ray and Camas. The latter is perfectly housed in six, but the same can’t be said for the former, who would prefer to be drawn nearer the rails.