Events / Joe Dyer / 02 September 2009 / Leave a comment

Fame And Glory rapidly shortening with main rival likely to miss Saturday's showpiece

"Wednesday was always likely to be D-Day for Sea The Stars' participation in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes. And, as the heavy rain arrived at the South Dublin track today, that 'D' may as well stand for disaster for racing fans looking forward to the most eagerly-awaited clash of the season."

he Fat Lady has been singing at Leopardstown for the last hour, and Sea The Stars now looks destined to sidestep his clash with Fame And Glory on Saturday.

Wednesday was always likely to be D-Day for Sea The Stars' participation in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes. And, as the heavy rain arrived at the South Dublin track today, that 'D' may as well stand for disaster for racing fans looking forward to the most eagerly-awaited clash of the season.

Because the torrential rain that has drenched the southern half of Ireland - and which forced the late cancellation of racing in Killarney this afternoon - finally arrived at Foxrock, Co. Dublin at 1.30pm this afternoon.

And still hasn't stopped.

Sea The Stars was trading at [4.5] on Betfair this morning. But with every passing minute of rain his price edges out.

At 2.30pm, he was available to back at [6.0] on the exchange and at the time of publication is out to [8.6]. Conversely, Fame And Glory's price has hardened into [1.43] in anticipation of a no-show from the Guineas and Derby winner.

Betfair's Tony Calvin commented: "Sadly, the rain that all punters were hoping would miss the track looks increasingly likely to wash away the prospect of what would have been the spectacle of the season; a re-match between Sea The Stars and Fame And Glory.

"Final declarations are due on Thursday morning, but there must now be a strong likelihood that Sea The Stars won't be amongst them.'

Betfair's Irish site is keeping a close eye on Leopardstown with weather reports from their office near the track.

Tags: Fame And Glory, Irish Champion Stakes, Leopardstown, Sea The Stars