62 Go Forward For Group Two Urban-I Champagne Stakes

The £100,000 Group Two Urban-i Champagne Stakes looks set to live up to expectations with 62 juveniles remaining at the latest forfeit stage for the seven-furlong contest, the opening race on Ladbrokes St Leger Day, Saturday, September 15.

Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien saddled the brilliant Rock Of Gibraltar to finish second to Dubai Destination in 2001 but is yet to win the prestigious contest.

The Ballydoyle handler has 13 entries remaining, more than any other trainer, headed by Group Two winners Henrythenavigator and Lizard Island, Group Two Ireland Gimcrack Stakes runner-up Great Barrier Reef, Group Three Tattersalls Acomb Stakes runner-up Lucifer Sam and Group Two Richmond Stakes third One Great Cat.

Peter Chapple-Hyam took the prize with the top-class Rodrigo de Triano in 1991, and he has unbeaten Group Two TNT July Stakes victor Winker Watson, Group Two Weatherbys Superlative Stakes runner-up Declaration Of War and Listed winner Western Art.

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor has left in the impressive Group Two Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes victor Rio de la Plata alongside York maiden runner-up Iguazu Falls and the unraced Emmrooz.

Bryan Smart is aiming unbeaten Listed Chesham Stakes winner Maze at the Urban-i Champagne Stakes, while Irish handler David Myerscough has left in his unbeaten Listed scorer Bruges.

Strike The Deal took the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on August 3, for trainer Jeremy Noseda, and the Newmarket handler also has exciting Newmarket maiden winner Captain Brilliance.

Whatcombe trainer Paul Cole won the Urban-i Champagne Stakes in 1994 with the classy Sri Pekan and he has TNT July Stakes runner-up River Proud alongside Moynahan.

John Gosden could saddle impressive Ascot Listed winner Raven's Pass, while Newbury winner Yahrab has been left in by Clive Brittain.

Brian Meehan's five remaining entries include unbeaten Group Three Tattersalls Million Acomb Stakes hero Fast Company, Listed winner Sharp Nephew and Ascot maiden victor City Leader.

Sir Gerry came from last to first to win the Group Two Ireland Gimcrack Stakes at York on August 22 for trainer James Fanshawe.

St Leger Yearling Stakes winner Dark Angel is one of six remaining entries for Barry Hills, who has taken the race five times. Sexton Blake (1977) and Sure Blade (1985) both took the prize for the trainer, who went on to score back-to-back wins in the race with Auction House and Distant Music in 1998 &1999, and then saddled Etlaala to win in 2004.