Stars heads Champion contenders

Sea The Stars is the headline act from 65 entries in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket.

John Oxx’s seemingly invincible colt remains in contention for the Group One showdown on October 17.

The Juddmonte International Stakes is next on the agenda for Sea The Stars, who could clash with Derby second Fame And Glory once again.

Aidan O’Brien’s colt, who won the Irish Derby, is still engaged in the Champion Stakes alongside stablemate Rip Van Winkle, runner-up to Oxx’s son of Cape Cross in the Eclipse and impressive winner of the Sussex Stakes.

St James’s Palace Stakes hero Mastercraftsman adds further lustre to a formidable Ballydoyle hand at this stage of the game.

Sariska, Ghanaati and Look Here bring Classic-winning form to the table, while Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Again is still engaged.

French trainers have a tremendous record in the race, having triumphed in 21 renewals since 1945.

A strong entry of seven challengers from across the Channel is headed by Andre Fabre’s Cavalryman and a quartet from the stable of Alain de Royer-Dupre.

De Royer-Dupre has entered Beheshtam, Gris De Gris, The Bogberry and Alpine Rose.

The French champion trainer revealed: “Beheshtam was a bit immature in the Prix du Jockey Cub and the Grand Prix de Paris, and I don’t think that it was a question of him not getting a mile and a half at Longchamp.

“He was just not mature enough for those races at the time. He has only had four starts but he is working better at the moment.

“He could run in the Group Two Grand Prix de Deauville at the end of the month, providing the ground is good.

“We have given him the choice of races in the autumn and both the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe are both possible targets – we will take it step by step with him.

“I was pleased with Gris De Gris when he was second in the Prix d’Ispahan and he is a real specialist for very deep ground.

“The Bogberry has made some very good progress since he was fifth in the Group One Prix Ganay in April and he might take his chance in the Group Three Gontaut-Biron at Deauville (August 15) if the ground is good.

“Alpine Rose is the best of my entries in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes.

“She is by Linamix and, while she goes in all conditions, I am sure that she will be a better filly on softer ground.”

St Leger favourite Harbinger has been entered by Michael Stoute, who has also left in recent Goodwood Listed scorer Zacinto.

In addition to Look Here, the older generation look set to be well represented by the likes of Twice Over, Casual Conquest and the Stoute duo of Tartan Bearer and Doctor Fremantle.

Ten entries from the Godolphin operation include Eastern Anthem, Gladiatorus, Kirklees and Rio De La Plata.

The Luca Cumani trio of Cima De Triomphe, Presvis and Fantasia catch the eye - as does the John Gosden-trained pair of Dar Re Mi and Alwaary.

Crowded House and Red Rocks, both from the Brian Meehan yard, and Mark Johnston’s Urban Poet are other intriguing aspirants to have been entered.