Big Curragh Showdown On The Cards

Jim Bolger's unbeaten star New Approach and Godolphin inmate Rio De La Plata look set to lock horns in a mouthwatering renewal of the Bank Of Scotland (Ireland) National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

Bolger's impressive Futurity Stakes winner could take on Vintage Stakes hero Rio De La Plata after Godolphin supplemented the latter for 30,000 euros at the confirmation stage.

Eighteen possibles remain in the Group One contest, for which Ballydoyle handler Aidan O'Brien still has 10 to choose from, including Henrythenavigator, Great Barrier Reef and potential debutant Great Rumpuscat.

Dermot Weld could run Famous Name, while Myboycharlie, a brilliant winner of the Darley Prix Morny at Deauville last time, is reported to be on target by connections.

Fozzy Stack, son and assistant to trainer Tommy, said: 'We have entered Myboycharlie for the National Stakes and the intention is to run at this stage. He had a workout this morning and everything went very well.'

Bolger has also left in the once-raced Via Galilei, like New Approach a Galileo colt and who got loose before running an eyecatching race to take third at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Mick Channon's Hatta Fort is the only other British-trained entry.

County Kildare handler Ken Condon has warned his recent Group Three scorer Norman Invader is unlikely to run unless a couple of the big guns fail to line up, and has nominated the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on October 5 as a likely alternative.

Condon explained: 'He probably won't run on Sunday unless one or two drop out.

'I thought it was worth paying the 600 euros to enter him just in case. His next run is likely to be in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, ground permitting.

'He will have had a nice break then since his win at the Curragh last time.'

(C) PA Sport