O'Brien eyeing skies ahead of Juddmonte

Aidan O'Brien is keeping his fingers crossed the rain stays away for Churchill and Cliffs Of Moher ahead of the Juddmonte International Stakes at York tomorrow.

Epsom Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher finished an unlucky fourth in the Eclipse, while dual Guineas hero Churchill, who will be tackling 10 furlongs for the first time, filled the same position on his last start in the St James's Palace Stakes.

The latter was also a late withdrawal from the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on account of the soft ground.

O'Brien said: "Cliffs Of Moher and Churchill are both on target for York and hopefully the rain stays away.

"He (Cliffs Of Moher) was lucky not to fall in the Eclipse but came out of the race well. He suffered very bad interference, but everything has gone well since."

Richard Hannon feels Barney Roy will take "all the beating" in a high-class renewal of the Group One.

Hannon believes the Excelebration colt can turn the tables on narrow Eclipse conqueror Ulysses and add to his victory in the St James's Palace.

The Wiltshire handler said: "It was a great run for a three-year-old at Sandown and it was such a shame to get beaten.

"Barney Roy is in great form at home and has done very well since the Eclipse. He heads there in fantastic order and the Juddmonte looks the ideal race for him.

"The Eclipse form has been boosted by the victory of Eminent last Tuesday (in a Group Two at Deauville) and I think he will take all the beating at York."

Ulysses has since tasted defeat in the King George, when a fine second to Enable but Sir Michael Stoute expects the four-year-old to play his part in the mile-and-a-quarter Group One.

The Newmarket trainer said: " He's competent at both trips. He loves top of the ground but he goes on any. You've only got to look at the King George and you've got your evidence there.

"I think it will be a high-quality race - it's very interesting. We've had some great races for the International in the past and we'll probably have a great one this time."

Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Decorated Knight finished sixth in the Eclipse and bids for a third Group One triumph.

Trainer Roger Charlton said: "The Eclipse was rough, very rough, and he didn't have much chance. He's taking on the best that are around but he's had a nice break and is in good form."