CHAMPIONS LINE UP IN CHAMPION
Ian Fortune
The field for the Boylesports Champion Stakes was unveiled yesterday evening and all three semi-finals are, as you would expect, stacked with incredible quality.
There are a couple of notable absentees but the pursuit of the €20,000 winner’s purse should provide some sensational action in the coming week and a half at Shelbourne Park.
The final of the two-run showpiece is scheduled for Saturday, July 8th and will be televised live on RPGTV but picking the likely make-up of the decider is far from easy given how competitive each of the three two-to-qualify semi-finals are.
MAGICO FACING TALENTED RIVALS
The opening heat sees 2022 English Derby champion Romeo Magico line out on the fence with the brilliant Consolation Oaks winner Undisputed on his right shoulder.
Throw in Produce Stakes runner-up Hukum, the rapidly progressive Hawkfield Blue and the talented duo of Trinity Junior and Annagh Bailey and it’s a race to savour.
COMBINATION OF PACE AND POWER ON SHOW
The second heat is no less stacked with a wonderful combination of pace and power on show.
The early speed is likely to come from the likes of Radical Hero, Boylesports Gift, The Other Kobe and Cryptopunk, while Ryhope Beach will be finishing at speed. ON the outside of the track is Magical Kuba. He has a combination of both power and speed and looks well housed.
A HOT THIRD HEAT
Heat 3 is another wonderful contest with Juvenile Classic winner Ballymac Marino returning to Shelbourne Park after an English Derby campaign.
He races from the outside of the track, while Callaway Pro Am could have a big say from an inside draw. Last year’s beaten Irish Derby favourite will be bidding to atone for that defeat later in the year but is an obvious player in the Champion Stakes.
Add in the hugely strong Scaglietti, Sober Glory, Boylesports Vic and Droopys Nice One. It’s a really tremendous contest that could go right down to the wire.
The full form for the Champion Stakes can be found in upcoming cards or via the link: https://www.grireland.ie/racing/upcoming-race-cards/upcoming-race-card-summary/?track=SPK&id=106193&date=01-Jul-2023