MAGICAL and Magna Grecia are likely to be Aidan O’Brien’s two primary contenders in the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes. Speaking at Ballydoyle this week, O’Brien outlined plans for some of his big names next weekend, which may not include Juddmonte International winner Japan.

“The plan for Magical was always to go to York, then the Irish Champion and if all goes well then the Arc. We have been very happy with her since and she came out the race very well,” O’Brien said.