Reel leads Irish challenge for Champ Stakes Aidan O'Brien will fire a two-pronged assault on the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. Six-time Group One winner Highland Reel will lead the Irish challenge and will be joined by stable companion Cliffs Of Moher and Ken Condon's grey Success Days. Cracksman looks set to go off favourite for trainer John Gosden following the defection of Juddmonte International hero Ulysses. In the latter's absence, Sir Michael Stoute relies on Irish Champion Stakes runner-up Poet's Word. Barney Roy, trained by Richard Hannon for Godolphin, was runner-up to Churchill in the 2000 Guineas before gaining his revenge in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Excelebration colt has since been beaten by Ulysses in the Eclipse and the International, but nevertheless holds strong claims. French challengers Brametot and Recoletos, David Simcock's Desert Encounter and the Gosden-trained outsider Maverick Wave complete the line-up.
