Motivator set to sidestep Champion
Connections of the Vodafone Derby winner had planned to give him his prep run for next month's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the 10-furlong showpiece at the Dublin venue.
However, with the ground currently described as firm and the track looking at the possibility of a dry week, Motivator could sidestep the clash with Azamour and company.
"He's in terrific form, he's been working well and from a physical standpoint it's like looking at a different horse," said Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club.
"He won't run unless the ground is good or easier and I would have to say at this point he is a highly unlikely starter unless there is some rain or suitable watering."
Motivator, who is trained by Michael Bell, has been absent since suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Oratorio in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July.
The Montjeu colt was given a break afterwards with a view to working towards the Longchamp showpiece on October 2.
Bell has also entered him for Sunday's Prix Niel at the French track and the Select Stakes at Goodwood, as well as the Newbury Arc Trial next week.
"If he doesn't run in Ireland, we will probably go straight for the Arc," explained Herbert. "He has other options, but I'm not sure we will take up any of those as he doesn't need a lot of work."
Leopardstown are aiming for at least good to firm ground at the weekend and have commenced their watering programme.
Racing manager Tom Burke said: "We are firm at the moment and have started watering parts of the track.
"We will see how it goes, but we would be aiming for at least good to firm ground we want to make sure it is safe ground and I'm sure that would suit everyone."
Motivator is a general 5-2 chance for the Champion Stakes, while last year's race winner Azamour is the 4-5 market leader with both Paddy Power and Cashmans.
Baileys Irish Champion Stakes betting:
Paddy Power: 4-5 Azamour, 5-2 Motivator, 5-1 Oratorio, 11-2 Grey Swallow, 12-1 Ace, Norse Dancer, 16-1 Alexander Goldrun, 66-1 Mona Lisa, Hazarista, Mustameet, Lord Admiral, 200-1 Temple Place.
Cashmans: 4-5 Azamour, 5-2 Motivator, 11-2 Grey Swallow, 10-1 Oratorio, 12-1 Alexander Goldrun, 14-1 Ace, 25-1 Norse Dancer, 33-1 Hazarista, 50-1 Mustameet, Mona Lisa, 100-1 Lord Admiral, 200-1 Temple Place.
Meanwhile, Attraction is in "flying form" ahead of Saturday's Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.
The Mark Johnston-trained four-year-old finished second behind the year-older Soviet Song in the Group One event last season and connections are hoping she can improve on that this time.
Deirdre Johnston, the trainer's wife, said: "I can't wait she's in flying form," she said. "She's just turned the corner completely, we did the right thing running her at Newbury. Although it was only seven furlongs and the rain came and it didn't suit her, she's just come out of the race bouncing.
Attraction, winner of the English and Irish 1000 Guineas last year, could face as many as 13 rivals in Saturday's 162,500 event, including both of this year's Guineas winners.
Newmarket heroine Virginia Waters is one of two entries for Aidan O'Brien along with Mona Lisa, while Irish Guineas victor Saoire could represent Frances Crowley.
Alexander Goldrun, winner of the Nassau Stakes on her last start, has been entered by trainer Jim Bolger but also holds an alternative engagement in the Champion Stakes.
A strong British-trained contingent is headed by Michael Stoute's Celebration Mile winner Chic, together with the John Gosden-trained Karen's Caper, Mick Channon's Majestic Desert and Gerard Butler's Tarfah.
Local runners Best Side, Lock And Key, Miss Mambo, Sky High Flyer and Utterly Heaven complete the possibles.
