Harrington ace Alpine Star set for possible Irish Champion clash with Magical

Uncertainty may linger over Ghaiyyath's participation in the Irish Champion Stakes but Jessica Harrington says her brilliant filly Alpine Star is on course for a crack at the Longines Irish Champions Weekend highlight, with the stunning Coronation Stakes heroine set for a potential clash with last year's winner Magical.

The talented three-year-old – who defied a ten-month absence when providing Frankie Dettori with a clean sweep of Royal Ascot's top-level events – has enhanced her already glowing reputation despite being beaten in two starts since.

The daughter of Sea The Moon split Nassau Stakes scorer Fancy Blue and Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Peaceful when narrowly denied in the Prix de Diane over 1m2½f, before emerging with massive credit with a second-place effort behind Palace Pier in last month's Prix Jacques le Marois.