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Time for Champions Weekend to expand the appeal of its all-star cast

Alpha Centauri: second at Royal Ascot but should come into her own when stepped up in trip
Alpha Centauri: should be a big draw at LeopardstownCredit: Caroline Norris

Now in its fifth year, the 2018 Irish Champions Weekend promises to be the strongest yet in terms of the racing product.

The promotion of the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five to become Ireland's first Group 1 sprint for three-year-olds and upwards is a welcome upgrade.

In another tweak, the juvenile fillies' maiden which has provided the curtain-raiser for the past four years has gone, replaced by a 7f Listed race for juvenile fillies, excluding Listed winners and Group-placed fillies. Presumably the exclusionary clauses are designed to avoid diluting the quality of the Moyglare Stud Stakes, one of four Group 1 races on Sunday's Curragh card.

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