News: Oratorio is favourite to complete a unique treble in Saturday's Champion Stakes and if he does come through the Newmarket challenge unscathed an ambitious pitch against America's top dirt horses is not impossible in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt is being generally quoted at 9 to 1 for the $4 million Belmont highlight at the end of the month and the Ballydoyle team will seriously consider that race after this weekend.
"Obviously we want to get Saturday out of the way first but it is a possible he could run on the dirt in the Classic. You never know until they run on the surface if they will act on it but we will make a decision closer to the time," O'Brien said.
Only one European trained horse has ever won the Classic, Andre Fabre's Arcangues in 1993, but it has hosted some of Ballydoyle's brightest stars in the last five years with Giant's Causeway coming closest to victory when just denied by Tiznow in 2000.
The following year both the Derby winner, Galileo, and the top miler, Black Minnaloushe, were unplaced behind Tiznow while Hawk Wing could only finish seventh in 2002. Hold That Tiger was O'Brien's last attempt when fifth two years ago.
In general the Ballydoyle team for the eight-race series in New York is starting to take shape with Ad Valorem likely to go in the Mile and Powerscourt now likely to take his chance in the $2 million Turf race where he will be joined by Ace who ran third over the course and distance behind Shakespeare a fortnight ago.
However, the double Group One winning filly Rumplestiltskin is probably finished for the season.
Oratorio is a general 9 to 4 favourite to complete the treble of Eclipse, Irish Champion and English Champion Stakes wins and could be joined at this morning's final declaration stage by Jim Bolger's top-flight filly Alexander Goldrun.
There will be no such top-flight concerns at Tramore this afternoon but the Aga Khan's famous colours will be on view in the mile-and-a-half maiden where Daliya tries to break her duck. The filly doesn't look one to rely on completely, however, and the ex-French trained Dalton's 88 rating presents a pretty potent argument against her.
There look to be higher rated alternatives to Gilberto in the claimer but Pat Martin's horse put in a sound effort when fourth to Don't Be Bitin at Roscommon last time and looks a reasonable option.
There will be plenty waiting for the bumper where Barna Bay looks to be something of a form stand out with a second to Paulsworth at Ballinrobe in August.
Jamies Choice, a point to point winner in Dundrum in March, is proposed as an alternative to the luckless Professor Hegarty in the maiden hurdle.
