Churchill Possible For Irish Champion

Aidan O'Brien has named the G1 QIPCO Irish Champion S. at Leopardstown Sept. 9 as a potential next start for Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) following his solid second to Ulysses (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G1 Juddmonte International at York last Wednesday. The dual Classic winner went off favourite for the £1M race and improved on his previous fourth place finish at Royal Ascot without necessarily showing the brilliance that was seemingly evident earlier in his career. “We were very happy with Churchill. When we missed Goodwood, it just messed us up a little bit, but we we're very happy with the run. I would imagine that he'll come forward from it,” O'Brien said at The Curragh on Sunday. York was Churchill's first attempt at ten furlongs and O'Brien is satisfied that Churchill is equally adept over that trip. “I'd say he handled the trip. He was never a horse to wilt, anyway. I think the run will bring him forward. We're thinking of the Irish Champion, but we'll see how he is.” O'Brien also indicated his intention of dropping Caravaggio (Scat Daddy) back in trip and running him over five furlongs in the G2 Derrinstown Stud Flying Five S. at The Curragh September 10. Having gone unbeaten in his first six starts the 3-year-old colt has been disappointing on his last two runs, particularly last time out in Deauville when sixth to Brando (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) in the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest.