Dual English classic winner Sea The Stars, the top-rated horse in the most recent International Federation of Horse Racing Authority world rankings, is reported to be a "likely runner" in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-G1) on Saturday after trainer John Oxx walked the turf course at Leopardstown on Friday.
Oxx had expressed concern during the week about the recent wet weather and testing course conditions at Leopardstown and warned that the four-time Group 1 winner would not start unless conditions are suitable.
A statement from Horseracing Ireland on Friday indicated that Sea The Stars probably would start in the 1 ¼-mile race.
"Having walked the course at Leopardstown, John Oxx declared that he was happy with the condition of the track and that Sea the Stars is a `likely runner’ in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes unless there is unexpected rainfall which might change conditions."
The going at Leopardstown on Friday morning was rated as “yielding” and “yielding to soft” in places.
The weather forecast called dry conditions on Friday night and Saturday.