Ballydoyle ace ready to Rip

Johnny Murtagh retains full confidence in Rip Van Winkle on the eve of his Breeders' Cup Classic bid on Saturday night.

Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O'Brien has gone close to winning the $5m feature with Giant's Causeway and Henrythenavigator, and Rip Van Winkle gives another chance to go one better.

Murtagh has remained loyal to the colt throughout a difficult campign that has seen his pick up victories in the Sussex Stakes and QEII Stakes despite being hampered by foot problems.

But it is that courage the jockey believes will carry the pair to success in Santa Anita.

"The lad who rides him out says he is really bouncing and I have always thought the surface would suit him with the way he moves across the ground," Murtagh said.

"He stays well and I think that a mile and a quarter around here will be tailor-made for him.

No weakness

"He is a horse I really like. He has a fantastic cruising gear and a great heart. If he can win this I think it will justify all of the thoughts I have had of him.

"He would die for you and is all heart. He has got it all and there is no weakness with him.

"Zenyatta looks very good, but she hasn't run against The Rip yet."

Murtagh partnered the disappointing Duke Of Marmalade in the race 12 months ago and admits the race always provides an extra buzz.

"I have always dreamed of winning the Classic. It is the best race and all of the best horses run in it," he added. "It is the one race I would love to win.

"When you are sitting at home watching it on TV and the Classic comes along you do get that buzz.

Well drawn

"Come Saturday and for Rip to win it would be brilliant. You can see what it means to everyone at Ballydoyle and everyone is getting a buzz out of this."

Meanwhile, Murtagh is also hopeful that Mastercraftsman can provide him with victory in the Dirt Mile.

"He is in great shape and I think he likes the place," he continued. "He handles the Polytrack as he won on it in Dundalk and he is drawn very well (stall one)," said Murtagh.

"He may get back a little bit but I would rather be drawn there saving ground than approaching the first bend seven or eight wide.

"He is very tough and consistent and his last couple of pieces of work have been good.

"I was delighted with him at York and he seems back in that sort of condition again."