Godolphin pin National Stakes hopes on Rio

Rio De La Plata heads into Sunday’s Bank Of Scotland (Ireland) National Stakes with the weight of the Godolphin operation’s expectation on his back.

Sheikh Mohammed’s team chose to supplement the colt for the Curragh Group One at great expense and connections admit he is the brightest light of their juvenile team.

Close to the top of the betting for next year’s 2000 Guineas, Rio De La Plata did little wrong in winning the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood but now faces a showdown with Myboycharlie and New Approach, in whom the Sheikh recently purchased a half share.

A tilt at Saturday’s Champagne Stakes at Doncaster had also been a possibility but Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: “Rio De La Plata worked well at Newmarket on Tuesday and showed us that he was ready to run.

“He won a Group Two race at Goodwood last time, which was good to see. He is a happier and stronger horse since Goodwood and has put on weight. He is in good form, is fresh and is ready to race.

“He is a classy horse and we are looking for a good run, and it would be nice to get him win a Group One race.

“The race will do his confidence good for the future if he can win, and it looks like a Classic race.

“He is the one from Godolphin who we think will be the horse next year for the Classic races. We go there looking for a big run and I hope the ground is good.”