3.25 The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) 1m2f

Auguste Rodin: Six-time Group 1 winner has the ability to land this for a second time. His inconsistency is a concern and his form this year doesn’t match his earlier record, with a 33/1 shot chasing him home on his latest win. His stablemates should set this up for him, though.

Hans Andersen: Likely here to ensure a good pace. Would be a shock winner.

Luxembourg: 2022 winner and half a length second 12 months ago. Conquered the Coronation Cup trip this season, so stamina may be his forte as a five-year-old. Expected to lead.

Royal Rhyme: Decent horse but hard to see him featuring in the finish here.

Economics: Latest win came in a race previously won by the likes of New Bay, but the 2024 field lacked a Group 1 horse. Impressive York performance slightly tarnished by subsequent disappointment of Ancient Wisdom and others.

Ghostwriter: Likeable colt has never run a bad race, despite stumbling in the 2000 Guineas and being inconvenienced by a hanging City Of Troy at Sandown. Holds strong each-way claims.

Los Angeles: Workmanlike course and distance winner in Derby Trial. Epsom Derby third was perhaps his best performance, but trainer believes this trip suits best.

Shin Emperor: Own-brother to Sottsass finished second in December’s Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes which has failed to produce a top-flight winner. Japanese Derby third came behind a shock winner over a mile and a half, but positive that it came around a left-handed track.

Conclusion

Ballydoyle dominated the pace 12 months ago and are well-equipped to repeat tactics today, setting it up for Auguste Rodin. Economics currently heads the market at what I consider a shockingly short price, considering this is his Group 1 debut, and the last horse to break his Group 1 maiden in this race was Pentire in 1995. There could be more to come from Ghostwriter and he looks good value at his current price.