IRISH CHAMPION STAKES ABC: Shamrock previews Saturday’s Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, with a check on the form of the six runners in ABC order. His daily bets are at the foot of the column.

So what do you think? Here’s how the form stacks up for Saturday’s Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Dunboyne Express: Has lengths to make up on Famous Name and Roderic O’Connor: four and a half, in fact, behind Famous Name in the Meld Stakes on Saturday’s course (9f) in July but six behind ‘Roddy’ in the Curragh 2,000 Guineas.

Famous Name: 14 wins and 10 places from 27 starts but never able to raise his game and win above Group 3. Has had nine Leopardstown Pattern successes. Seven lengths behind So You Think in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

Recital: Won the Derrinstown Derby Trial at Saturday’s trip at Leopardstown but, though not disgraced in fifth – beaten four and a half lengths – he let his supporters down when heralded as the Epsom Derby winner. Not seen since.

Roderic O’Connor: Beaten by Dunboyne Express as a juvenile but rated 7lb higher than his old rival now after taking the Curragh 2,000 Guineas in May from Dubawi Gold, who struggled to frank the form until winning the Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday. Eighth and sixth respectively in the French and Irish Derbys.

Snow Fairy: Dual Oaks winner at Epsom and the Curragh last season but has struggled to regain her form this term, clearly short of match practice when nine lengths or more behind So You Think in the Sandown Eclipse but disappointing when beaten by Midday at Goodwood.

So You Think: Yesterday I spelled out the fortunes of the champion horses which have won Saturday’s race and he seems worthy to take his place on the roll of honour after beating last year’s Epsom Derby and Arc winner, Workforce, fair and square in the Eclipse in July. Has also won the Tattersalls Gold Cup over here and five Group 1s in Australia.

SHAMROCK’S BETS
NAP: Priors Gold (2.10 Hereford)
NEXT BEST: Manager Managment (3.40 Hereford)
OUTSIDER: Sensational Love (6.05 Carlisle)
DAQ TRIO: Priors Gold (2.10 Hereford), Manager Managment (3.40 Hereford), The Playful Priest (5.10 Hereford)