Kevin Blake

6.50 QIPCO IRISH CHAMPION STAKES (GROUP 1) 1M 2F

Al Kazeem: Improved to be one of the leading middle-distance performers in Europe last year by winning three top-class Group 1 races. He retired to stud at the end of the campaign but proved to be sub-fertile and returned to training. While he returned to winning ways in Group 3 company at Windsor last time, that was still below his best and a return to top form will be needed to win this.

Mukhadram: A rock-solid performer at this level, he got off the mark in Group 1 company in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, perhaps benefiting from being well positioned in an odd tactical race. He was firmly put in his place by Australia in the Juddmonte International and it is difficult to see him troubling that rival in this.

Trading Leather: Won the Irish Derby and finished in the frame in four other Group 1 races last year. He hasn’t quite got back to his very best this season but this course and distance is ideal for him and a big effort would not surprise.

Alkasser: Created a good impression when winning a listed race over seven furlongs at the Curragh in May but proved a disappointing favourite in the Paddy Power Scurry on his only subsequent start. He is a doubtful stayer over this much longer trip and is probably not good enough anyway.

Australia: Has looked a star from the outset of his career and has duly delivered this year, winning the Derby at Epsom, the Irish Derby and the Juddmonte International at York in great style. This trip appeals as being his optimum and it will be a major surprise if what is one of the stars of European racing is beaten.

Kingfisher: Has primarily been employed as Australia’s pacemaker but showed he has plenty of ability of his own when second to him in Irish Derby. Likely to set an even tempo for Australia before tiring late on.

The Grey Gatsby: A progressive three-year-old, he impressed in victory in the Dante at York and in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly before getting bogged down in testing ground in the Grand Prix de Paris. Better than ever when second to Australia in the Juddmonte International and looks to be his main danger in this.

Verdict

Australia really is difficult to oppose given that his trainer expects physical improvement from him after he returned from a break to win the Juddmonte International last time. Trading Leather could be the value for a place.