Rock and Ranger to clash in Royal Whip Sunday's Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh is set to feature a mouthwatering clash between Fascinating Rock and US Army Ranger. Dermot Weld's Fascinating Rock has not been sighted since beating Found in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and will be using this race as a prep for the Irish Champion Stakes. The same comments apply to Aidan O'Brien's US Army Ranger, not seen since beating all bar Harzand in the Derby at Epsom. Ger Lyons' Endless Drama got back to winning ways last time out at Naas and is due to step back up in class. There could be a strong British contingent with Ralph Beckett's Air Pilot, Roger Charlton's Ayrad and Charlie Appleby's Scottish given the option. Jim Bolger's Moonlight Magic, the Derrinstown Derby Trial winner, is another interesting entry among the 15 possibles, as is Ken Condon's Success Days. He was third behind Fascinating Rock in the Tattersalls Gold Cup but his appearance will be ground dependant. "It's currently good to firm at the Curragh and he wouldn't run if it stays like that," said Condon. "He's ready for a prep run and we are keen to go, thankfully there is rain forecast. "We'll just have to play it by ear but there's a chance we might get enough rain."
