Stars leads Champion market despite uncertainty

DESPITE the continued uncertainty over the participation of Sea The Stars in Saturday’s Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes, William Hill have installed him as their 10-11 favourite.

John Oxx’s brilliant colt had looked doubtful to even be declared on Wednesday, but an improvement in the weather forecast and the fact the management at Leopardstown will be using two separate tracks has eased fears slightly.

The 2000 Guineas, Derby, Eclipse and Juddmonte International winner was among nine declarations on Thursday despite 22 millimetres of rain falling at the track during Wednesday.