Motivator run in doubt

Motivator is “highly unlikely” to run in Saturday’s Baileys Irish Champion Stakes if the ground remains firm at Leopardstown.

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.

“The big question is the ground. 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.

However, Herbert indicated Motivator is likely to head to France next month without a prep run if he does not go to Leopardstown.

“If he doesn’t run in Ireland, we will probably go straight for the Arc,” he explained. “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.

“Michael had him spot on first time last year and this year, so it wouldn’t really be an issue if he didn’t have a run.

“Michael is due to go over on Wednesday to take a look at the ground and we could make a decision there and then.

“If it’s good to firm that would offer some hope, but if it’s firm we wouldn’t be prepared to risk him.”