Ladbrokes have omitted Mastercraftsman from their QEII betting and have shortened Rip Van Winkle in to 4/5 after Thursday’s declarations.
The emphatic BGC Sussex Stakes winner brings some serious form to the table and will be a hugely tough nut to crack.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "Pricing up Mastercraftsman at this stage would distort the book something rotten so we're only prepared to offer him at SP. It's an almost impossible task: whatever price we'd offer would be wrong as we'd be far too big if he does turn up in place of Rip Van Winkle yet we'd be far too skinny right now bearing in mind he's an unlikely runner at this stage and we'd be betting to silly percentages.
"If Ballydoyle's Plan A comes to pass, the race looks to be at the mercy of Rip Van Winkle. There's every chance he could go to the front early and they won't collar him. It's factored into the odds-on price."
Meanwhile, the firm have also had to move Sea The Stars to odds-on for the Arc, shortening the son of Cape Cross to 4/5 from even money.
Williams continued: "It was a matter of time before Sea The Stars went odds-on. The money for his likely opposition has been small-fry. He is the only horse the punters want to know about."
UPCOMING RACES: Ladbrokes
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
1m, Ascot, This Saturday
4/5 Rip Van Winkle, 9/4 Delegator, 11/2 Aqlaam, 16 Zacinto, SP Mastercraftsman (1/4 odds 1,2 only if Mastercratsman runs)
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
1m 4f, Longchamp, October 2009
4/5 Sea The Stars, 5 Fame And Glory, 7 Conduit, 8 Stacelita, 10 Cavalryman, 12 Sariska, 12 Vision D'Etat, 14 Getaway, 16 Beheshtam, 20 Spanish Moon, 25 Ask, 25 Youmzain, 33 Casual Conquest, 50 Look Here, 40 bar (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
