THE Irish Champions Festival kicks off Saturday with a stellar card of racing at Leopardstown.
Templegate is on hand to guide you through all the top-class action with his best bets below.
Templegate thinks Item can beat the home batallion and land the Irish Champion Stakes Credit: Getty
ITEM can deliver for Andrew Balding in the Irish Champion Stakes (5.00).
There was so much to like about the way he won the Juddmonte International at York last time out.
He proved he is every inch a Group One performer by taking that hot contest despite meeting lots of trouble in running.
He wasn’t in the ideal position heading into the closing stages and had to switch around rivals before coming with a late rattle to nail Almaqam on the line.
He’s in the field again with strong claims but all eyes will be on home hope Constitution River.
He was brilliant when winning the French Derby and again in the Eclipse at Sandown.
For some reason he proved very hard to settle in the Juddmonte and paid the price in the closing stages when fading into third.
The soft ground may have been to blame and a return to his Sandown form would take him close.
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A Boy Named Susie won a Group 3 nicely at The Curragh last time but has a lot more on his plate on Saturday.
DARKNESS FALLS can strike for Aidan O’Brien in the first Group One of the day at 2.45.
Ballydoyle have a fantastic record in this race and this Camelot colt can add to their tally.
He needed his debut here before storming away with a Curragh maiden by an easy seven lengths.
He is bred to want this extra furlong and should take a big step forward.
Quest For Stars looks a threat after his good Listed win at Salisbury last time and he’s another who should relish going up in trip for Charlie Appleby and James Doyle.
GREEN IMPACT looks a fair price for the Group 3 Kilternan Stakes (3.15).
He was a good fourth in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh two runs ago before losing out in a photo here last time out.
That was in a similar contest to this and he never runs a bad race at Leopardstown.
He can hit the frame and maybe more for Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley.
Purview is the one to beat after he won a Curragh Group 3 without breaking sweat.
He likes any ground and is reportedly being aimed at the Breeders’ Cup after this by master trainer Dermot Weld.
The brilliant BLUE BOLT can land a hat-trick of Group 1 wins in the Matron Stakes (3.55).
She has yet to taste defeat this season and has moved through the ranks from a Goodwood Listed win in May, to Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge honours at Royal Ascot and then a double at the highest level.
She was brilliant in the Falmouth on the July course at Newmarket before getting the best of a battle with Precise in the Rothschild at Deauville last month.
There was only half a length between them in France and Precise has since run well when third against the colts across the Channel.
It should be another cracker but Blue Bolt can confirm her superiority despite giving weight away.
At a big price, City Of Memphis was a good Group 2 winner at The Curragh last time and has solid place credentials for quality trainer Paddy Twomey.
QUDDWAH usually produces his best after a break so it’s a plus he’s been off the track for 168 days ahead of the Solonoway Stakes (4.25).
He was last seen running well in Dubai where he landed a Group 2 contest before going close at the highest level.
This mile is ideal for the Crisfords’ hope and some rain wouldn’t hurt either as he enjoys a bit of cut underfoot.
Isaac Newton got his mojo back when winning the Group 3 Desmond Stakes here last time and goes on any ground. He looks the main threat.
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