Classy field for Champagne
Rip Van Winkle, the general 7-1 second-favourite for next year’s 2000 Guineas, is one of 19 possible runners for Saturday’s Keepmoat Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.
Aidan O’Brien’s colt won the Group Three Tyros Stakes back in July and currently sits behind stablemate Mastercraftsman in the market for the Newmarket Classic.
He is one of three entered from Ballydoyle along with Drumbeat and Westphalia.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Zacinto is another high up the betting order for the 2009 Guineas and he could also take his chance.
Other notable contenders include Jeremy Noseda’s well-regarded dual winner War Native, Gimcrack victor Shaweel and Prix Morny third Lord Shanakill.
