Winkle tops Dewhurst confirmations
by Michelle Fortune, 13 October 2008
Rip Van Winkle, the current ante-post favourite for the 2000 Guineas, heads the possible runners for Saturday's Darley Dewhurst Stakes.
The Galileo colt is unbeaten in two starts and is one of eight possible contenders for Aidan O'Brien with Drumbeat, Egypt, Gluteus Maximus, Indian Ocean, Masterofthehorse, Set Sail and Westphalia all entered in the Newmarket Group One.
The juvenile contest has been won by Jim Bolger for the last two years and the Coolcullen handler has left in Intense Focus and Gan Amhras, with the former his intended runner.
Bushranger has won two Group Ones already this campaign and he remains a possible for David Wachman, while Huntdown, third behind Bushranger in the Middle Park Stakes, has been added to the field by John Gosden.
In total 24 colts have stood their ground for the seven furlong feature with Tattersall Stakes winner Ashram an interesting contender for John Hills.
Shaweel, Lord Shanakill and Goffs Million winner Soul City are other contenders for the prize, although The Cheka has been ruled out after meeting with a setback.
"He's had a small training setback and has developed a slight infection in his hind leg," said Eve Houghton.
"We missed the Tattersalls Million with him and we've just been chasing and chasing.
"It's nothing too serious but we've decided to pull the plug this season."
Brian Meehan has Delegator, Galpin Junior, Nasri and Ra Junior to choose from with Glass Harmonium the only Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt in the field.
Finjaan, Ougba and Prime Delivery complete the confirmations.