Irish Champion Stakes Runners Guide 2023 – King Of Steel & Auguste Rodin Battle Again

A surprisingly large field of nine Irish Champion Stakes runners are set to contest the feature race on day one of the Irish Champions Weekend Festival at Leopardstown this Saturday. In amongst the horse gunning for Group 1 glory over 1m 2f are thee-year-old rivals Auguste Rodin and King Of Steel.

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More Older Irish Champion Stakes Runners Than Classic Generation

There are five four-year-olds in the line-up this year with good representation from the UK and France besides the home team. Away from dual Derby hero Auguste Rodin and King Of Steel, horse racing betting sites also looks to British raiders Alflaila and Nashwa to teach the younger generation a thing or two.

Crossing the Channel and Irish Sea for a tilt at this big pot is Onesto, the sole French representative among Irish Champion Stakes runners this year. Outside the market principals, let’s not forget Luxembourg who won this race 12 months ago. He’s one of three saddled by Aidan O’Brien with Point Lonsdale completing Ballydoyle’s triple hand.

Son Joseph has always held Al Riffa in high regard, meanwhile, and he may well now be back to full fitness after an injury-interrupted campaign. Completing the line-up is Sprewell, who ran in both the Epsom and Irish Derbies finishing behind Auguste Rodin. Read up on every entrant below…

RELATED: Irish Champion Stakes trends – Do the stats say Aidan O’Brien can land Leopardstown feature for 12th time?

Complete Irish Champion Stakes Runners Guide 2023

1. Alflaila

Dual Group winner at York races including on belated reappearance latest. Improving type patiently handled by his smart trainer and well worth a crack at this level. Open to further progress over this trip and no surprise if he finds it. Solid each way bet.

2. Luxembourg

One Group 1 win to his name for every year he’s been in training including this 12 months ago. Left disappointing reappearance behind when landing the Tattersalls Gold Cup and then chasing home subsequent Juddmonte International hero Mostahdaf in the Prince Of Wales at Royal Ascot before non-staying fourth in the King George latest. Other Irish Champion Stakes runners open to more progress, but can’t be ruled out dropping back in trip.

3. Onesto

Half-length runner-up to Luxembourg over course and distance in this last year. Not going pace to challenge when fourth on belated reappearance in Prix Jacques Le Marois over too sharp a trip latest. Wants at least this distance and scored over further at Longchamp last summer. Eye-catching jockey booking and of interest in bid to go one better than 12 months ago.

4. Point Lonsdale

Dual Group winner at this trip in the spring after lengthy lay-off including at Chester races during May Festival. Well-beaten in the Coronation Cup and King George since over further. Drop back in trip is a plus, but not living up to the heights of his juvenile form. One of two Irish Champion Stakes runners the market says can be ruled out.

5. Nashwa

Top-notch filly who stepped into open company with fine second in Juddmonte International on latest outing. Has run below par on a couple of occasions this season including at Goodwood races when trying to defend Nassau Stakes crown. Yard has two wins in the race since 2015, however, and 3lb sex allowance puts her in the frame. Another with each way claims.

6. Al Riffa

Looked a very smart prospect after landing juvenile Group 1 at the Curragh 12 months ago, but injuries and setbacks mean we haven’t seen the best of him this season. Disappointing when turned over in the Curragh International Stakes on belated reappearance. Better effort when runner-up in Deauville Group 2 behind the Arc favourite Ace Impact latest. Arguably has greatest scope among Irish Champion Stakes runners for further progress, but this demands more.

7. Auguste Rodin

Dual Classic winner this season doing the Epsom Derby and Irish Derby double demonstrating stamina on both occasions. Drop back in trip doesn’t look obvious move after no-show in the King George at Ascot latest. Connections may have come here as bubble of stable companion Paddington burst at Ebor Festival. Leading claims on pick of his form, but no surprise if distance proves too sharp especially if it becomes tactical.

8. King Of Steel

Royal meeting Group 2 winner with that form advertised by those in-behind since. Outstayed by an on-song Auguste Rodin previously in the Epsom Derby, but far from disgraced when non-staying third in the King George back at Ascot races latest. Drop back in trip makes sense, but receiving much less weight for age from his elders than that day. Not the most solid of favourites, but one of the Irish Champion Stakes runners who could have more to offer over this distance.

9. Sprewell

Group 3 course and distance winner in the spring, but not so effective on better ground at Epsom races in The Derby when fourth or sixth in Irish equivalent latest. Would prefer softer going and no rain in sight. Drop back in trip no problem, but conditions far from ideal. Can be opposed.

What Date & Time Is the Irish Champion Stakes 2023?

📅Time/Date: 3:20pm (Saturday, 9th September 2023)
🏇Racecourse: Leopardstown
💰 Winner: €712,500
📺 TV: Racing TV/ ITV
🎲 Odds: King Of Steel 3/1 | Auguste Rodin 7/2 | Alflaila 6/1 | Nashwa 7/1 | Onesto 7/1 | Bar 10/1

Recent Irish Champion Stakes Winners

• 2022 – Luxembourg (7/2)
• 2021 – St Mark’s Basilica (5/6 fav)
• 2020 – Magical (9/2)
• 2019 – Magical (11/10 fav)
• 2018 – Roaring Lion (8/11 fav)
• 2017 – Decorated Knight (25/1)
• 2016 – Almanzor (7/1)
• 2015 – Golden Horn (5/4 fav)
• 2014 – The Grey Gatsby (7/1)

RELATED: Take a look at the best betting sites the UK has to offer punters.

WATCH: Auguste Rodin Beat King Of Steel in The Derby at Epsom

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