Rip ready for Dewhurst challenge

Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten colt Rip Van Winkle is among 13 horses declared for the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The Irish trainer also saddles Egypt as he tries to follow up Rock Of Gibraltar’s win in this prestigious two-year-old race seven years ago.

Jim Bolger relies on Intense Focus as he bids to take the prize for the third successive season following Teofilo in 2006 and New Approach 12 months ago.

Mark Johnston’s Gimcrack Stakes victor Shaweel, who was short-headed by O’Brien’s Mastercraftsman in the National Stakes, leads a strong home contingent along with John Hills’s impressive Somerville Tattersall Stakes scorer Ashram.

Richard Hannon runs four-time winner Soul City while Karl Burke goes for glory with Lord Shanakill, who landed last month’s Mill Reef Stakes.

Brian Meehan is double-handed with Delegator and Galpin Junior while Marcus Tregoning runs Finjaan and Barry Hills saddles Ouqba.

John Gosden’s Huntdown and Robert Cowell’s Prime Delivery complete the field.