Major racing action kicks off early this week over in England with the running of the Gr-I Sussex Stakes, for horses 3yo+ over one mile, and featuring three Gr-I winners in '09. 

The most interesting entry is the filly Ghanaati, coming of wins in the Gr-I's English 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes (above), but who will be facing colts and older horses for the first time.  Her main rivals will be Lord Shanakill, coming off a win in the Gr-I Prix Jean Prat, and Paco Boy, the Gr-I Queen Anne Stakes winner and recent late running third in the Golden Jubilee... It will be a very tall task, but if the filly can win, she will establish herself as the favorite in the Euro 3yo Division plus put herself into Horse of the Year discussions...

Last year, this race was won by Henrythenavigator in what was his fourth Gr-I of the year before closing the year with a game second in the Gr-I Breeders Cup Classic.

Tune in within a day or to for the weekend preview.

(updated Wednesday, 11:00 am)

After falling short in four straight Gr-I tries, 3yo Irish colt Rip Van Winkle powered to the lead at the top of the stretch and drew away for a solid victory over a tough group of more accomplished racers to win the Gr-I Sussex Stakes this afternoon. 

Paco Boy came on late for second, while filly Ghanaati was a non-threatening third.. Up until now, Rip' had been all promise and no delivery, but he finally stepped up impressively over a top notch group.  Is he this year's Raven's Pass, promising yet falling short early in the year then turning it on in the second half of the year?