What promises to be a mouthwatering Irish Champion Stakes edging ever closer.
William Haggas stands assured that Economics is primed to navigate treacherous waters as he prepares for his foray into the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown next weekend.
Though the towering progeny of Night Of Thunder has dazzled with three commanding victories this season, his vast reservoir of potential remains untested at the pinnacle of competition.
Following his electrifying display in the Dante, Economics continued his ascendancy with a polished triumph at Deauville in the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano. Bookmakers have positioned him as the 6-5 frontrunner to keep ascending the ranks.
Oh he's good! 🙌
Economics cruises home at @fgdeauville for @TomMarquand and @WilliamHaggas… pic.twitter.com/I0UB55EfZK
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 15, 2024
However, a formidable ensemble awaits, including Aidan O'Brien's reigning champion Auguste Rodin, the 2022 victor Luxembourg, and Irish Derby conqueror Los Angeles, all poised to subject Economics to a rigorous examination of his credentials.
"He's in fine fettle, and we're eager to see him compete at Leopardstown," Haggas remarked.
"This will be his inaugural Group One outing, and he’ll be up against the formidable Ballydoyle squad among others, but this is the essence of it, isn't it? I’d prefer the race to be in England, but I believe he’s ready to make the leap."
An audacious bid to secure a Champion Stakes double is in the cards for Economics this autumn, with the Sheikh Isa-owned colt also eyeing the Qipco Champions Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot in October.
A mere six equine athletes have managed to clinch this illustrious double on both sides of the Irish Sea in the same season, but Haggas is confident that, even if his latest stable star doesn't join this exclusive club, a luminous future lies ahead.
"Even in defeat, he remains a talented horse, still developing with limited experience, only bound to improve," Haggas continued.
"I have yet to ascertain his upper limits, but I hope we haven't reached them. There’s much more to come, I believe."
