Dundalk entry for St Nicholas Abbey

Aidan O’Brien’s highly-touted St Nicholas Abbey is a fascinating possible contender for the Diamond Stakes at Dundalk on October 1.

The Montjeu colt has been off the track since losing his unbeaten record when sixth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May, but features among 32 entries for this 10-furlong contest – part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge ’Win And You’re In’ Series.

Ralph Beckett’s Muhannak won the inaugural running in 2008 and went on to land the Breeders’ Cup Marathon at Santa Anita, while O’Brien’s Mastercraftsman was victorious last year and signed off his career with a fourth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

As well as St Nicholas Abbey, the Ballydoyle handler has left in the classy Steinbeck and Beethoven.

Other interesting entries include Marco Botti’s Gitano Hernando, off the track since finishing sixth in the Dubai World Cup, and Gordon Elliott’s Ebor winner Dirar.