Desert King for Champion

A stirring Anglo-Irish clash is possible in Saturday's EsatDigifone Champion Stakes at Leopardstown between the Irish Derby winner, Desert King, and the top five-year-old, Pilsudski. Aidan O'Brien confirmed Desert King a runner after the colt pleased in a gallop yesterday morning. Desert King will bid to go one better than his second to Singspiel in York's Juddmonte International.

"He got very warm at York, which was probably our fault. He was the first horse tacked up and then there were delays which made him upset. He's very well and Christy (Roche) is very pleased with him," O'Brien said.

Pilsudski hasn't run since finishing second to Swain in the King George, but his connections' main concern is securing a top jockey for the horse since his usual partner, Michael Kinane, is committed to Dance Design.

Trainer Michael Stoute is at the Keeneland Sales in America, but Peter Reynolds, manager of the owner's Ballymacoll Stud, said yesterday: "His chances of running are reasonable, but we've no jockey at the moment. I'm sure Michael has someone in mind, but Pilsudski needs a proper jockey."

Pilsudski could take up an alternative option in France on Sunday if a suitable jockey can't be found for Leopardstown. Riding arrangements could also rule out Romanov from Saturday's race, with John Reid set to ride in the English Leger on the same day. Alhaarth, Maylane and Lord of Men are the other English possibles of the race.

Aidan O'Brien will run No Slouch in the Champion to ensure a good gallop, and will also set an intriguing clash of the generations by running the two-year-old Hopping Higgins in the Flying Five on the same day.

O'Brien also intends to give Classic Park, fifth in Sunday's Prix du Moulin, her next race in the Group One Prix de la Foret at Longchamp next month.