Godolphin Favouring Ireland For Rio Godolphin's Rio De La Plata, who is likely to be supplemented for Sunday's Bank Of Scotland (Ireland) National Stakes, still has the option of the Urban-i Champagne Stakes at Doncaster a day earlier.The Rahy colt has quickly become one of the team's great hopes and he shot to the top of the betting for next year's 2000 Guineas with a clinical destruction of his rivals in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.He was one of a clutch of interesting entries for the five-day stage of the Champagne but trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said: 'He's entered in the race, but no decision has been made yet.'At the moment we are thinking of Ireland. We are happy with the horse but we need to check on the ground and will decide later in the week.'Among the 18 entries for the Champagne are impressive maiden winners such as Barry Hills' Tajdeef and the Kevin Ryan-trained Alexander Castle.Aidan O'Brien's Lizard Island, who chased home Rio De La Plata at Goodwood, also holds a place along with other top-notch two-year-olds like Sharp Nephew, River Proud, Strike The Deal and Mccartney.(C) PA Sport
