Los Angeles is increasingly likely to join Auguste Rodin and Luxembourg in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, the highlight of the Irish Champions Festival weekend.
Auguste Rodin, who lost to Luxembourg in last year’s race, aims to rebound from a disappointing King George run. Los Angeles, meanwhile, is in top form after winning the Irish Derby and the Great Voltigeur, following a third-place finish behind City Of Troy in the Derby at Epsom.
Despite the Great Voltigeur typically being a St Leger trial, trainer Aidan O’Brien prefers to reduce Los Angeles’s distance rather than extend it. He sees the Irish Champion Stakes as a suitable prep for a potential Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe bid.
O’Brien commented, "We planned for Los Angeles to potentially run in the Irish Champion Stakes and then possibly in the Arc if the ground suits him. His performance in York was promising, and a mile and a quarter at Leopardstown will help us gauge his readiness for longer distances."
Regarding Auguste Rodin, O’Brien attributed King George defeat to unsuitable ground conditions. He is optimistic about Auguste Rodin’s form, stating, "He loves fast ground, and his recent work has been excellent. We’re confident he’ll be back to his best at Leopardstown before we head to Japan."
O’Brien acknowledged the mistake in handling Auguste Rodin’s King George race, saying, "We should have reconsidered running him on the soft ground. The conditions turned the race into a mile-and-six affair, which didn’t suit him."
Ryan Moore is expected to ride Auguste Rodin, with decisions on the rides for Los Angeles and Luxembourg to be made closer to the race.