Master joins Rip in QEII field

O'Brien to saddle two in Ascot feature

Last updated: 24th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Master joins Rip in QEII field

Rip Van Winkle

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Aidan O'Brien has surprisingly declared both Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman for Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

The Ballydoyle maestro was only expected to saddle the former on his return to action following his victory in the Group One Sussex Stakes.

However, Mastercraftsman will join his stablemate after chasing home Sea The Stars in the International Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs on his last two outings.

The pair will be taken on by Godolphin's new recruit Delegator, while William Haggas's progressive miler Aqlaam will bid to follow his recent victory in the Prix du Moulin.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Aqlaam's owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, believes everything is in place for a bold show.

"Everything is fine with the horse as far as I know. William seems very happy with him and he's in good form," he said.

"I spoke to him earlier in the week and he says the horse is moving well so we'll see what happens.

"The ground should be fine for him as we think he wants faster ground, so we can't complain about that.

"He obviously handled cut in the ground at Longchamp last time but we do think he is more effective on a quicker surface.

"It's a very tough race but that's what you expect at Group One level.

"I'm never confident but we're looking forward to it."

Sir Michael Stoute's Zacinto, who chased home Delegator in the Celebration Mile last time, will re-oppose and completes a small but select line-up.