Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)

Almaqam holds a narrow edge at the head of these ratings, but this is a fiercely competitive Class 1 over ten furlongs at Leopardstown and the low confidence here reflects how closely matched the principals are. Constitution River is the most obvious threat and, rated only three pounds below Almaqam, will need to be respected, while Item and Lambourn also have the ability to make this a genuine contest if conditions suit. With the caveat that this is far from a clear-cut call, Almaqam is our selection.