Champions Day at Ascot (Saturday 21 October) is arguably the highlight of the whole flat season with four Group 1’s, a Group 2 and a very competitive handicap, and the best horses around will converge to compete for around £4 Million in prize money. It’s race meeting that attracts massive crowds, whilst even more racing fans will be watching it on TV – and we’ve got tips for all six races.
Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (1.25)
This Group 2 for stayers has been dominated by older horses recently, therefore it’s no surprise it’s being billed as a rematch between Ascot Gold Cup first and second Big Orange and Order Of St George. However, whilst softer ground should swing the rematch in favour of Order Of St George, the each-way value looks to be the 3-year-old Stradivarius. Much better than many of the 3-year-olds who’ve contested the race in the past, he looks sure to relish the step back to 2-miles, and he’s already beaten Big Orange in the Goodwood Cup this season.
Tip: Stradivarius Each-Way @
Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (2.00)
Harry Angel arrives here after an imperious win in the Sprint Cup, and he looks to have few chinks in his armour after proving himself on all types of ground. However, one chink is he’s yet to win in 3 runs at Ascot, and Caravaggio looks the each-way value against him having beaten him in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Tip: Caravaggio Each-Way @
Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2.40)
Journey hasn’t been at her best so far this season, but looked like she like she was on her way back when second behind the re-opposing Bateel at Chantilly last time. She’s also the top-rated horse in this line up and, having proved her liking for Ascot by finishing second and first in the last two renewals, she’s taken to return to her best in what has obviously been her major target for the season.
Tip: Journey @
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (3.15)
Ribchester has a course record of 1/2/1, and he lost nothing in defeat when beaten by Minding in last year’s renewal. Aidan O’Brien again saddles another Classic Winner in Churchill, but the son of Galileo has performed below his early season form on his last 3 starts. Meanwhile, Beat The Bank has to take another big step forward, and his one defeat this season was a heavy one at Royal Ascot.
Tip: Ribchester@
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (3.50)
The late defection of Ulysses has left this open for one of the classic generation to step forward and be crowned champion, and it should be an interesting clash between St James Palace Stakes winner Barney Roy and Cracksman who has won both starts since finishing second in the Irish Derby and third in the Epson Derby. It could go either way, but Barney Roy has already proved himself at Ascot, and his turn-of-foot could prove decisive having been kept fresh for this since August.
Tip: Barney Roy @
Balmoral Handicap (4.30)
By far the most competitive race of the day, but GM Hopkins looks worth an each-way investment. He’s won here off marks of 103 and 112, whilst he was second in a previous renewal of this race off 109. The handicapper has given him a chance dropping him to a mark of 104, and he should go close if on a going day.
Tip: GM Hopkins Each-Way @