Gatsby could skip Ascot Kevin Ryan has warned The Grey Gatsby is not a certain runner in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 18th. The Mastercraftsman colt caused one of the shocks of the season when beating dual Derby winner Australia in the Irish Champion Stakes. The Grey Gatsby has also claimed the Dante and the French Derby this season, but soft ground could yet rule him out of Champions Day. "He's come back absolutely fantastic, very fresh and well," said Ryan. "He only lost six kilos all weekend which is quite incredible when you think about it, the race obviously took very little out of him. "I've decided from now on I'm going to let the horse do the talking, he doesn't need me to talk him up any more. "He's Ryan's (Moore) ride if he wants him but Richard Hughes and Jamie Spencer have also ridden him so it will be one of those three and they aren't bad to pick from. "It's not a given that he runs at Ascot, the ground could have gone soft by then. "He's getting better with every race and I'd love to go to Ascot, but it's all about next year with him. "I'm convinced he'll get a mile and a half next year, the French Derby is nearly 11 furlongs anyway. "If he doesn't run at Ascot, that will be it and he'll start off next year in the Dubai Duty Free."
