Champion poser for O’Brien

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.

The Ballydoyle handler left the quartet of runners in this weekend’s 10-furlong Group One at Monday’s confirmation stage, with Kingsbarns, Declaration Of War and Magician also among the entries for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on the same card.

However, with ground conditions at Ascot looking certain to be on the easy side, Declaration Of War could be saved for a trip to the Breeders’ Cup meeting in California next month.