Murtagh rides Rip Van Winkle Johnny Murtagh will ride Rip Van Winkle in the Stan James 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday in preference to Aidan O'Brien's other runner Mastercraftsman. Confirmation of riding arrangements, with Pat Smullen on Mastercraftsman, has led Ladbrokes to make Rip Van Winkle joint-favourite with Delegator at 7/2 for the opening classic of 2009. David Williams of Ladbrokes said, 'Murtagh's decision was always going to have a bearing on our market. There is now a very strong possibility that Delegator could be displaced as outright favourite.' There were 17 horses declared this morning with Jim Bolger springing a surprise by taking out Dewhurst winner Intense Focus, and now relying on Gan Amhras. John Oxx has not declared Arazan and will be represented by Sea The Stars, while Richard Hills has elected to ride Free Handicap winner Ouqba in preference to Finjaan (Tadgh O'Shea). Pat Smullen's agent Kevin O'Ryan is delighted with his Guineas mount saying, 'It's an absolutely fantastic ride for Pat to pick up and of course he is really looking forward to it - any time you have a ride in a Classic you look forward to it.' 'It's brilliant for Pat as he also rides Serious Attitude for a very good trainer in Rae Guest in the 1000 Guineas on Sunday. She's a very, very good filly and we're very lucky to get that ride.' 'We're very lucky to be riding for Ballydoyle on Saturday and Rae Guest on Sunday, so there is plenty to look forward to.'
