Doyen firmly on course for Leopardstown

Doyen heads the list of 13 acceptors for Saturday’s Baileys Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

The Godolphin four-year-old is a hot favourite for the race after his runaway victories in the Hardwicke Stakes and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes.

The son of Sadler’s Wells is one of three Godolphin runners left in the race at today’s five-day stage, together with Vespone and Millstreet.

“Doyen is in good condition and it’s all systems go for Ireland,” said racing manager Simon Crisford.

“Vespone would probably be an unlikely runner, as Millstreet would be more likely to take the pacemaking duties.”

Irish Derby winner Grey Swallow will be stepping back in trip to 10 furlongs, while Azamour, winner of the St James’s Palace Stakes, moves up from a mile.

Grosser Preis Von Baden winner Warrsan has been left in by Clive Brittain, who is considering a quick return to action for the six-year-old after his success in Germany yesterday.

“We have left him in and it’s certainly still on the cards. I’ll look at the acceptors later on but he would certainly be a serious contender for the Arc whatever happens,” he told Attheraces.

“The English Champion and the Breeders’ Cup would also be on the cards.”

Jonathan Pease’s French runner Bago lost his unbeaten tag when third in the International Stakes at York last month and he could clash again with runner-up Norse Dancer.

The Michael Jarvis-trained Rakti has not run since flopping in the Coral-Eclipse back in July, while Mick Channon has left in Imperial Dancer.

Aidan O’Brien’s three-strong contingent is headed by Powerscourt, who was first past the post in the Arlington Million last time only to be disqualified for causing interference.

Last year’s Irish 1000 Guineas winner Yesterday could make her long awaited seasonal bow, with Troubadour being another who could make a quick reappearance after finishing second in a Listed event at Haydock on Saturday.