Review LEOPARDSTOWN 7TH SEP

Godolphin again eclipsed Ballydoyle in a thrilling finish to the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes as Grandera headed Hawk Wing in the final stride.

Rumours swept the enclosures at Leopardstown as to whether Hawk Wing would even line-up for the 1.1 million euro race after disappointing performances earlier in the day by stablemates Sophisticat and Landseer.

The 'rumours' proved unfounded but did translate into lack of confidence in the betting ring as the hot favourite drifted out to evens before starting at 8/11.

Sholokhov set a strong pace from the stalls, but quickly relinquished a big lead in the straight to Best Of The Bests, with Hawk Wing and Grandera poised to challenge.

Michael Kinane eventually got Hawk Wing to the front inside the final furlong but the late surge of Grandera and Frankie Dettori just gained the day.

Grandera now holds a sizeable lead in the World Series, and could bid to consolidate his position in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

Kinane said afterwards, 'I knew that I would get to Best Of The Bests, but when Frankie came alongside my horse just emptied. I wouldn't be afraid to take Grandera on again.'

Dermot Weld was without a runner in the feature but dominated earlier proceedings when teaming up with stable rider Pat Smullen for a 71/1 treble.

An autumn campaign in the United States is on the agenda for Dress To Thrill, who completed a hat-trick this season in the Matron Stakes.

Maryinsky set a blistering pace in this Group 3 mile event, and Smullen timed his challenge well on the 2/1 fav to lead inside the final furlong for a 1L victory over Marionnaud.

'Pat rode her with great confidence, and she did it nicely. We took our time with her earlier this year, and the patience is now paying dividends. She is a big immature filly, and should make a good 4yo,' said Weld.

'She will probably go now for the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth Cup over 9f at Keeneland in about three weeks time, while the Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park is a possibility after that,' added Weld.

The Weld/Smullen team followed up when One More Round stretched clear early in the straight to beat Triple Gold by 2L in the 7f handicap.

'He would have been hard to beat in the McDonagh Handicap at Galway if the ground was reasonable, and the blinkers helped to sharpen him up coming back to 7f,' said Weld.

However it was a bitter-sweet victory for the Rosewell House trainer as stablemate Social Harmony had to be put-down after sustaining a serious leg injury in the straight.

'It's a sad loss as Social Harmony has been a noble servant, and a very consistent performer,' said Weld.

Sights On Gold completed the quick-fire treble in the Listed Kilternan Stakes, leading well over a furlong out and driven out to beat Millstreet by 1 1/2L.

'He has a number of possible Group race engagements in France and Germany in the coming weeks. He's an improving colt, and that ground is as fast as he likes it,' said Weld.

Jim Bolger saddled a 1-2 in the valuable fillies handicap, with Panchita (Gordon Power) leading a furlong out and holding off Tivoli Garden by a head.

Kevin Manning was given a two day suspension for careless riding in the closing stages on the runner-up.

Dashing Home (Fran Berry) led close home to take the 9f handicap, while Royal Fortune made all under Niall McCullagh in the nursery.

Declan McDonogh was seen to good effect on Evelyn One in the 2yo maiden, with the Kevin Prendergast-trained filly making up 4L from the furlong pole to deny newcomer Shizao by a neck.

The Curragh trainer explained the reason for withdrawing Rebelline from the big race saying, 'It was just too quick for her, and she will now go for the Prix de l'Opera probably the Dubai Champion Stakes.'

Incidentally High Chaparral was taken out due to 'unsatisfactory blood tests', and connections will not be fined for his withdrawal if providing the details to the Turf Club.

Frankie Dettori was also severely cautioned for his excessive use of the whip on Grandera in the 'Champion'.