‘I’m Having A Few Quid On The Treble’ - Paddy Flood on Gosden’s Champion Stakes Weekend Contenders Paddy Flood has backed Ombudsman to come out on top of his third race against Delacroix in the Champion Stakes this weekend. Speaking on irishracing.com’s Irish Angle show this week Flood backed the Gosdens to have a good weekend and revealed he will back all three of the Gosden’s horses at Ascot. Elsewhere across the card, Field Of Gold goes in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes while Trawlerman is the favourite for the British Champions Long Distance Cup. The Champion Stakes is the first time Delacroix and Ombudsman have met since Ombudsman came out on top in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York in August. Delacroix was the victor in their first meeting in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown a month previous. Since their last meeting, Delacroix has claimed the Irish Champion Stakes but his performance at Leopardstown has raised doubts. Ombudsman will also be aided by pacemaker Devil’s Advocate, winner of a Doncaster handicap at the St Leger meeting. Pacemaker Will Make The Difference Asked for his verdict on Saturday’s big race, Flood said: “I’m actually with Ombudsman, to be honest. “I was delighted when I heard there’d be a pacemaker. Delacroix is a smashing horse, I was blown away by his turn of foot at Leopardstown but he didn’t put them to bed. He had that one kick, and while Christophe [Soumillon] gave him a great ride, he was all out to get to the line. “He must be working well at home and doing everything right because I think Aidan [O'Brien], or someone, wanted to retire him anyway. “There was a bit of misunderstanding in quotes from maybe M.V. Magnier or someone, but they’ve decided to give him one last hurrah here. “Gosden’s had an up-and-down year, but he’s still a master trainer. Ombudsman is coming off a break, he’s been minded, and this race has clearly been the plan for a long time. The pacemaker will really suit. “I think Gosden’s three big horses all win at the weekend — I’m actually having a few quid on the treble.” Gosden’s Have It Right Now For Ombudsman Journalist Johnny Ward agreed with Flood’s assessment and admitted he cannot wait to see the latest instalment of the rivalry. He said: “I couldn’t agree more with Paddy on the clash. When Ombudsman was beaten by Delacroix at Sandown, as much as Delacroix wasn’t necessarily advantaged by the way the race was run, that was a complete mess by Ombudsman’s connections — which they obviously rectified at York. “That day, Birr Castle made for a strange pacemaking setup, but Ombudsman destroyed Delacroix. “I couldn’t agree more with Paddy about Leopardstown either. It wasn’t a vintage Champion Stakes. Delacroix got a great ride, kicked to the front, showed a turn of foot, but bookmakers are favouring Ombudsman in the rematch. I don’t see any reason that shouldn’t be the case. “It’s an interesting moment for Delacroix and Coolmore, though. When you think about it, it’s completely insane that there was once that ban between Coolmore and Godolphin from doing deals together. “I can see why they might be keen to retire Delacroix. Aidan’s already talked up his sire potential, and with his pedigree, he’d be massive for them. “But what a way to end the season — this is the best of the best. It’s cracking stuff, and on nice ground too. We’ve got a hell of a race ahead.” Watch The Irish Angle In Full Or Listen On Spotify
