Aidan O’Brien favouring the Matron Stakes for star filly Winter instead of the Irish Champion Stakes
Trainer Aidan O'Brien reveals connections are favouring the Matron Stakes for Winter as she gets back on the racecourse following a short break since her Nassau win
WINTER is unlikely to take on stablemate Churchill in Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes reports trainer Aidan O'Brien.
O'Brien's filly is instead set to run against her own sex in the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes, after having a break since winning the Nassau at Goodwood.
The three-year-old filly has carried all before her this season and is likely to go off a short favourite.
"The Irish Champion is definitely a possibility, but I'd say the Matron is the favourite at the moment," said O'Brien.
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"She's had a little break since the last day she ran and she's done very well.
Trainer Michael Halford is also hoping for Irish Champions Weekend glory.
Halford is set to step the exciting Riyazan up to Group 3 level after he bolted up at the Curragh last month.
"Riyazan has done very well since he won first time out at the Curragh. He's had a trouble-free run," said Halford.
"He won like a smart horse and it's not like one of ours to pick up and quicken like that first time out. He lugged across the track a bit, but it was only through greenness.
"He will run in the Group 3 Willis Towers Watson Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown. Katiymann will also go there for the Sovereign Path Handicap.
"Irishcorrespondent, Yulong Xionghu and Vincy, who won well last month in the Curragh, have all been sold to Hong Kong."