Connections of Sir Des Champs feel he could be more at home over three miles in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.

Willie Mullins' exciting prospect lost his unbeaten record over fences when being put in his place by Flemenstar on his return in the two-and-a-half-mile John Durkan at Punchestown.

Eddie O'Leary, manager for owners Gigginstown House Stud, said: "It's a fantastic race and we are trying to beat a very good horse in Flemenstar. Sir Des Champs has had a run now and it's three miles on a more galloping track, which should suit."

O'Leary added: "He has to show up well, really. If Flemenstar beats us again, he is the better horse and we'll have to go somewhere else. If he beats us again, Flemenstar will be Ireland's Gold Cup horse for this season."

First Lieutenant and Quito De La Roque also carry the Gigginstown silks, and O'Leary said: "First Lieutenant has a chance as well, and so does Quito. We still think Quito is a good horse. He has cheekpieces on and hopefully that will help him. All three have them have chances, but obviously Sir Des Champs is our main hope."

Gigginstown's retained rider Davy Russell has unsurprisingly opted to ride Sir Des Champs, but insists it was not easy to pass over First Lieutenant.

"We're in there with a fighting chance. Hopefully he's up to competing at this level, whether he's up to winning only time will tell. I don't know if he's going to improve a lot for his first run. I suppose the longer distance might help him improve as much as anything," said the champion jockey.

"It wasn't a straightforward decision to ride Sir Des Champs. First Lieutenant is well up there in my mind and he is no back number, I can tell you. Quito has been a bit disappointing on his last couple of runs. Hopefully he can improve a bit."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests