In Time's Eye is Cup doubtful

Racing News: Dermot Weld reported yesterday that In Time's Eye is now unlikely to run in the Melbourne Cup after his disappointing effort in Australia on Saturday morning.

The Michael Smurfit-owned horse managed only 10th to Mummify in the Caulfield Cup but Weld said: "He finished stiff and sore and although we won't make a final decision until tomorrow, it is most likely he will come home on Friday. It was a most disappointing run but at least we know why."

Weld and jockey Pat Smullen will team up for Refuse To Bend (Mile), Relaxed Gesture (Juvenile) and Dimitrova (Fillies & Mares) in the Breeders' Cup on Saturday, after which Smullen will make a dash to Paris for the Prix Royal Oak.

Arrangements have been finalised for the jockey to make it to Paris in time for Sunday's French St Leger where Vinnie Roe will bid for a fifth Leger success.

Smullen could also get the chance to ride Weld's star two year-old Grey Swallow in its next race as the colt is more likely to run in St Cloud's Criterium International on Sunday week rather than this Saturday's Racing Post Trophy.

"He has a choice of the two but the French race is probably the more likely," Weld said yesterday.

Aidan O'Brien plans to run Magritte (Jamie Spencer) in the Racing Post but disclosed that he will not have a runner in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

The Ballydoyle team of five flew out to the US yesterday but without Grand Reward and Old Deuteronomy.

"High Chaparral (Turf), Statue Of Liberty (Mile) and Hold That Tiger (Classic) went and we are also sending L'ancresse along with Yesterday for the Fillies and Mares. She has done super since her last race," O'Brien said.

He was speaking after the favourite Colossus defied topweight to win the Derrinstown Stud Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas yesterday under Seamus Heffernan.

"He could be a very good sprinter next year," said O'Brien who also supplied Pat Cosgrave with a valuable winner in the race for the apprentice title when In The Limelight won the Garnet Stakes.

It was Cosgrave's first winner for O'Brien and the rider, now level with Cathy Gannon on 27, said: "It's a long time coming!"

Shane Gorey used his 10lb claim to guide another topweight, the nicely backed Mutakarrim, home in the October Handicap.

"For a 10lb claimer he gave that an excellent drive," said Dermot Weld. "He is a young guy with a future and he will be spending the winter in New Orleans."

Falbrav is on his way to the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita but his connections will try to add another Group One to his tally at the Turf Club today.

The appeal against the decision of the Leopardstown stewards not to award Falbrav the controversial Irish Champion Stakes will finally be held this afternoon at 3 p.m.

The horse's owners, Teruya Yoshida and Scuderia Rencati, are set to be represented by a barrister at the hearing which will take place nearly seven weeks after the race itself.

Despite that, the bookies believe High Chaparral, who just beat Falbrav in the Leopardstown race, will keep the prize. Cashmans yesterday bet 1 to 7 on the Aidan O'Brien-trained star keeping the Champion Stakes with Falbrav 4 to 1 to get it from the Appeals and Referrals Committee.

The delay in hearing the appeal has been due to logistical difficulties in getting the interested parties together.