O'Brien raises Duke doubts

Aidan O’Brien has warned that heavy rain could still rule Duke Of Marmalade out of a second clash with New Approach in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

After an alarming drift in the betting on Wednesday in the face of sustained support for Jim Bolger’s Derby hero, the five-time Group One winner found himself struggling to hold on to his position at the head of the market.

O’Brien has stated that the intention is to run but with 20-30 millimetres of rain expected in the Dublin area before the race he would not be keen to risk the fast ground performer in testing conditions.

“The plan is to run Duke Of Marmalade, but if they get all the rain that’s forecast we would be talking about ground that would not be ideal for the horse,” said O’Brien.

“Everyone knows he’s a horse who likes good, fast ground, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens with the weather and review the situation if necessary,” he told the Racing Post.

O’Brien also has King Of Rome and Red Rock Canyon declared for the illustrious 10 furlong event.