Rip Van Winkle: odds-on favourite for Irish Champion Stakes glory

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostphotos  

Aidan O'Brien 14-1 for Saturday Group 1 treble

STAN JAMES are offering 14-1 that Aidan O'Brien makes a clean sweep of all three of Saturday's Group 1 contests, but also go 9-4 that the Ballydoyle trainer draws a blank.

O'Brien has market leader Starspangledbanner in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock, odds-on favourite Rip Van Winkle in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, and 3-1 chance Lillie Langtry in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes on the same card.

Stan James spokesman Charlie McCann said: "O'Brien saddles three in the Irish Champion Stakes including the odds on favourite Rip Van Winkle and with the ground drying out all the time at Haydock Starspangledbanner looks sure to go off a short price for the Betfred Sprint Cup.

"Lillie Langtry disappointed in the Falmouth last time but she looked top class in the Coronation Stakes previously and the 14-1 we are offering for the O'Brien Group 1 hat-trick could look a big price by the time Rip Van Winkle, Cape Blanco and Beethoven are on the way to post for the Irish Champion."

Starspangledbanner was cut to 7-4 (from 9-4) by Ladbrokes for the Betfred Sprint Cup on Thursday.

Spokesman David Williams said: "Now that Starspangledbanner has been given the green light for Haydock, punters have taken the bait and forced his price into 7-4."

The participation of Workforce in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has yet to be set in stone but the Investec Derby winner has attracted support, with Victor Chandler shortening his price to 8-1 (from 10) for the Longchamp contest.