Rip heads 24 in Dewhurst

Ballydoyle likely to hold strong hand in Newmarket feature

Last updated: 13th October 2008

Rip heads 24 in Dewhurst

O'Brien: Strong squad

Also see

Rip Van Winkle, ante-post favourite for next year's 2,000 Guineas, is one of eight possible contenders from the Aidan O'Brien stable for the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The Galileo colt is 4/1 with Sky Bet for the Classic and will bid to enhance his reputation in the Group One feature

He could be joined by stablemates Drumbeat, Egypt, Gluteus Maximus, Indian Ocean, Masterofthehorse, Set Sail and Westphalia.

David Wachman's Bushranger comes into the race on the back of two Group One successes, while impressive Tattersall Stakes winner Ashram is still a possible.

Gimcrack winner Shaweel adds further strength in depth, while Lord Shanakill, Intense Focus and Goffs Million winner Soul City are other interesting hopefuls among 24 confirmations.

The sole supplementary entry is John Gosden's Huntdown, third behind Bushranger in the Middle Park Stakes last time.

One horse who will not be lining up is The Cheka after connections decided to put him away for the winter following a setback.

Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton said: "He's had a small training setback and has developed a slight infection in his hind leg.

"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."