Buick ponders double Group One duty
Buick will definitely be making the trip across the Irish Sea at some stage on Saturday as he is committed to riding multiple Group One winner Nathaniel in the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes for his boss, John Gosden.
As the Leopardstown feature is not due off until 5.45pm, there is a possibility he could first travel to Haydock to maintain his partnership with crack Australian sprinter Ortensia, who aims to follow up her Nunthorpe victory in the Betfred Sprint Cup at 3.25pm.
Buick will wait until later in the week before making a firm decision on his plans.
“There are no definite plans at this stage, ” said Buick.
“Obviously I would very much like to ride both horses. It is still possible I could do both, but my loyalty is to John Gosden. I’ve made no decision yet. It is still five days away and in racing terms that is quite a long time, so we’ll see.”
Nathaniel and Snow Fairy are among the 12 entries for the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
Although the fine French gelding Cirrus Des Aigles has not been confirmed, Ed Dunlop’s brilliant mare Snow Fairy is among the potential opposition after her thrilling return from injury at Deauville recently.
Snow Fairy was narrowly beaten by Aidan O’Brien’s So You Think in the race last year.
O’Brien will now be looking for his eighth victory in the Group One over a mile and a quarter.
He has six of the field in St Nicholas Abbey, Robin Hood, Imperial Monarch, Treasure Beach, Windsor Palace and Daddy Long Legs.
Two more come from the Dermot Weld yard in the Ribblesdale winner Princess Highway and prolific veteran Famous Name.
John Oxx’s Born To Sea and the Jim Bolger-trained Light Heavy complete a strong line-up.
Three British raiders are among the field for Saturday’s Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown with Chachamaidee, Nahrain and Laugh Out Loud the potential contenders for the Group One honours.
Prix de Sandringham winner Laugh Out Loud could represent Mick Channon while last year’s scorer Emulous leads the domestic opposition for Dermot Weld.
Jersey Stakes winner Ishvana heads a team of five from Aidan O’Brien which also includes Up, Soon, Maybe and After, while David Wachman’s progressive Duntle and John Oxx’s Alanza are also among the 14 to stand their ground.
Trainer Richard Hannon is planning a speedy return to the track for Law Enforcement in Saturday’s inaugural Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Trial at Leopardstown.
Law Enforcement is one of 19 possible runners, including ante-post Investec Derby favourite Mars.
Ortensia is one of 18 confirmations for the Betfred Sprint Cup, while Roger Charlton’s Bated Breath is set to bid for an elusive first Group One.
James Fanshawe could saddle Society Rock for his first start since finishing third in the July Cup.
There is a strong challenge from Ireland, with Dandy Boy, impressive York winner Gordon Lord Byron and Aidan O’Brien’s Reply in the mix.
