Rip Van Winkle team reveal fresh injury scare

[Delmar Deb]

from the Racing Post...

Rip Van Winkle team reveal fresh injury scare
 BY DAVID ASHFORTH7.17PM 3 NOV 2009
RIP VAN WINKLE, who has established himself as one of the season\'s stars despite recurring training problems, is having to deal with a fresh setback during the run up to the Breeders\' Cup Classic.
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Aidan O\'Brien, after a lengthy visit to his Cup runners in the quarantine barn at Santa Anita on Tuesday morning, said: \"This horse has had no clean run this year and he hasn\'t had one this time.\" The problem is again a foot problem but this time a different foot is affected.
Asked if the problem was serious enough to endanger Rip Van Winkle\'s appearance in the Classic on Saturday, for which he is 6-4 favourite with William Hill, O\'Brien replied: \"I hope not. He goes to the track on Wednesday and we will see. With Rip Van Winkle it\'s always been day by day. What he\'s done up to now I\'ve been amazed that he\'s been able to do.\"
Confirming that Mastercraftsman will run in the Dirt Mile, O\'Brien explained: \"His best form ever was in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh last year over six furlongs on fast ground when they went all the way. There was a very impressive Coventry Stakes winner in the field (Art Connoisseur) and he totally blew him out. The reason Mastercraftsman was so impressive, we believe, is that he has so much speed and the pace was so strong. Which Breeders\' Cup race is he going to get the most pace? The Dirt Mile.\"
O\'Brien added: \"There is always a risk with three-year-olds at this time of year, and both horses have had a hard season, but we are happy with them.\"