Champion plan for Zahrann Recent Royal Whip Stakes winner Zahrann is on course for the Irish Champions Stakes on September 13, as his trainer Johnny Murtagh is hoping to finalise preparations over the coming days. Runner-up in Royal Ascot’s King Edward VII Stakes in June, the Night Of Thunder-colt scored from stablemate Tangapour at Group 3 level in the Curragh last month, with connections now targetting the Group 1 Leopardstown race. Murtagh reports “he’s going to work on Friday morning but plans have gone well. He’s had a good run since the Curragh. “He’s going for the Irish Champion Stakes. I think he is worth a shot, he has to improve a bit on the ratings but we still feel he’s coming along and that he’s not quite there yet. “He has a big week ahead of him.” Zahrann, who carries the colours of the late Aga Khan, is currently fourth-choice with bookmakers at 8/1 for the showpiece race. Quotes from Gary Carson
