RICHARD'S KID could be a sporting each-way option against Rip Van Winkle and Zenyatta. Rip Van Winkle has run some brilliant races during the course of the season and brings the best form to the table. However, he didn't run up to his best at Ascot (although it must be said he didn't need to) and has looked as though he's needed things to go his way on occasion. Throw in his high draw and the concerns regarding his wellbeing and he looks too short. Zenyatta's connections must be congratulated in letting their star mare take her chance against the boys for the first time in her career. Therein lies the crux of the matter though as this is a big ask for her and there have to be doubts as to whether she'll prove up to the mark. The Champion Stakes may not have been the strongest Group 1 ever run but Twice Over's a consistent performer with a change of pace and could figure. Summer Bird and Mine That Bird are by a dirt sire and both are opposable as a result despite the latter having won on Polytrack. Gio Ponti is the top turf horse in the States but he may not be as effective on this surface and of more interest is Richard's Kid who makes more appeal at the forecast prices. He has improved for racing on synthetic surfaces on the West Coast where he took a strong Grade 1. He was finishing strongly over nine behind Gitano Hernando in a trial for this race. That performance puts him right in the picture as he wasn't suited by the shorter trip or the lack of pace. He's got his trip here and should get a stronger pace which can help to bring the best out of Richard's Kid.
Mine That Bird (USA) 10-3 (8-9) Came out str,no threat, 6th of 10, 4l behind Gitano Hernando (8-9) at Oak Tree At Santa Anita(USA) 1m 1f fll stks Grp 1 in Oct.
Colonel John (USA) 5-2fav (8-12) 4wd into lane,willing, 2nd of 10, nk behind Gitano Hernando (8-9) at Oak Tree At Santa Anita(USA) 1m 1f fll stks Grp 1 in Oct.
Summer Bird (USA) 5-4fav (8-10) Checked, wide bid, won at Belmont Park(USA) 1m 2f Group 1 stks in Oct beating Quality Road (8-10) by 1l, 7 ran.
Zenyatta (USA) 2-5fav (8-11) Bid 4wd,led,ridden out, won at Oak Tree At Santa Anita(USA) 1m Group 1 stks in Oct beating Lethal Heat (8-11) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Twice Over 14-1 (9-3) Close up, ridden to lead approaching 2f out, edged right and driven out inside final furlong, won at Newmarket 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gd in Oct beating Mawatheeq (9-3) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Richard's Kid (USA) 13-2 (8-12) 4wd into lane,rallied, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Gitano Hernando (8-9) at Oak Tree At Santa Anita(USA) 1m 1f fll stks Grp 1 in Oct.
Gio Ponti (USA) 5-6fav (9-0) 3wide bid, yielded, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Interpatation (9-0) at Belmont Park(USA) 1m 4f Group 1 stks in Oct.
Einstein (USA) 17-4 (8-12) Bid 4wd,led,caught, 2nd of 12, nk behind Richard's Kid (8-12) at Del Mar(USA) 1m 2f Group 1 stks in Sep.
Girolamo (USA) 4-5fav (8-6) Awkward brk, drew clr, won at Belmont Park(USA) 1m hcp Grd 2 in Oct beating Burley's Gold (8-2) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Rip Van Winkle (IRE) 8-13fav (8-13) Tracked leader, led well over 2f out, soon quickened, ridden over 1f out, strongly pressed inside final furlong, pulled out extra to go away towards finish, won at Ascot 1m Grp 1 (1) gf in Sep beating Zacinto (8-13) by 1 1/4l, 4 ran.
Regal Ransom (USA) 13-10fav (8-12) Soft splits,ridden out, won at Louisiana Downs(USA) 1m 1f 3yo Grp 2 in Sep beating Blame (8-12) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
Awesome Gem (USA) 16-5 (8-4) Angled 5 wide, rallied, won at Hawthorne(USA) 1m 2f hcp Grd 2 in Oct beating Nite Light (8-3) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Quality Road (USA) 13-5 (8-10) Wide bid, yielded late, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Summer Bird (8-10) at Belmont Park(USA) 1m 2f Group 1 stks in Oct.
