Aidan O'Brien

Aidan O'Brien has revealed the brilliant-but-fragile Rip Van Winkle has not had an entirely smooth build-up to the Breeders' Cup Classic.

The Sussex Stakes and QEII winner's foot troubles are well documented, but a problem with a previously unaffected foot arose during preparations for the showdown on Saturday night.

"He's had bits and pieces of problems coming into this race, with one of his feet that hasn't been problematic thus far (this season)," said the trainer.

"I hope it isn't going to affect him and we will see him out on the track on Wednesday. The horses arrived on Sunday. They'll go on the track and have a trot and a canter.

"Rip has been swimming against the tide all season and it is amazing where he is, given the hiccups he has had. With Rip you have to take it day by day all the time, but we have been happy with him throughout the last week.

"I don't think the surface will be a problem as he is a fluent and easy mover. He is total athlete and we will see how he handles it when he goes out for a hack."

O'Brien's team at the weekend includes another Group One winner, Mastercraftsman, who was last seen enjoying a confidence-boosting success on the Polytrack at Dundalk last month.

The trainer said: "Mastercraftsman definitely runs in the Dirt Mile. For us, the best performance he has ever put in was over six furlongs on fast ground at the Curragh (last year in the Phoenix Stakes).

"There was a Coventry winner (Art Connoisseur) in that race and he blew him out of it. We feel what was important that day was the pace of the race, and he must have pace in a race as he has so much speed."