The stage is set for a superb edition of the QIPCO Champion Stakes and Matt Brocklebank has a big-priced each-way fancy in the Ascot feature.
QIPCO Champion Stakes (Group 1)
When: 4.05, Saturday October 18
Where: Ascot, Berkshire
Winner: £737,230
Going: Round Course: Good; Straight Course: Good
ALMAQAM (Trainer: Ed Walker)
Form: 2-3123
Always considered a top-class prospect and, after just coming up short last year, appeared to have really announced himself when beating Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown earlier this season. However, he’s failed to add to his tally in a couple of Group 2 assignments since including when tried over 12 furlongs in an Arc trial last month. Missed the big one at ParisLongchamp due to the prospect of good ground but rain came in the end and now the weather Gods aren’t really smiling on trainer Ed Walker this week either (would prefer rain). Still an each-way player on peak form but he now has the odd question to answer all over again.
CALANDAGAN (Francis Graffard)
Form: 2-2211
World-class gelding whose four starts since looking a shade unlucky to finish second to Anmaat in this race last year have all come over 12 furlongs. Appeared as good as ever when beating Kalapana to land the King George on his most recent start and his top French yard has been working back from Champions Day ever since given how much he seems to enjoy Ascot. A strong pace back at 10 furlongs will suit and he’s a massive threat to all.
ECONOMICS (William Haggas)
Form: 11116-
Looked in pretty good order when making a recent public appearance in a Newmarket racecourse gallop but hasn’t tasted competitive action since finishing sixth (2/1) in last year’s Champion Stakes. Went into the 2024 renewal having won a maiden, the Dante, a French Group 2 and the Irish Champion Stakes so no doubting his talent, but the layoff this time around is potentially a big issue in a race quite as hot as this.
FIRST LOOK (Andre Fabre)
Form: -23111
Fascinating late addition to the party, having been supplemented into the race on Monday following his Arc weekend win in the Group 2 Prix Dollar. A late-maturing sort representing top connections so no doubt further progress in him but he appears best suited by testing conditions and may just lack the requisite change of gear on the conditions.
FOX LEGACY (Andrew Balding)
Form: 4-1611
Definitely one of the dark horses in the line-up and just the type to run a huge race for his in-form yard. He’s on a steep upward trajectory since joining Andrew Balding from Sir Michael Stoute this season, never better than when bolting up in a conditions race over nine furlongs at Goodwood in August. Won the John Smith’s Cup over this trip the previous month and that prestigious handicap has a history of producing very smart middle-distance performers. Not without claims despite the strength in depth to this event.
OMBUDSMAN (John & Thady Gosden)
Form: 1-2121
One of the stars of the summer and he’s barely put a foot wrong in all the top races over this 10-furlong trip, including scintillating victories at Royal Ascot and in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. Needs to produce his best once more but leading form chance if doing so and ground conditions being on the better side will play to his strengths.
PRAGUE (Dylan Cunha)
Form: -54554
Way below the pick of these rivals on all known form/ratings and doesn’t look to be at his peak this season either. Shouldn’t be a factor.
ALMERIC (Andrew Balding)
Form: 41-11
Lightly-raced three-year-old who has won all three starts since a debut fourth at Sandown last September, the latest couple of victories coming in Listed company including when impressive at Ayr on his first try at 10 furlongs last month. Soft ground that day and bred to handle plenty of cut so might not have his ideal conditions now upped markedly in class. Other outsiders appeal a little more.
DELACROIX (Aidan O’Brien)
Form: 119121
Choicely-bred son of Dubawi who has lived up to his page last year and this, winning five Group races including a couple at the highest level. Showed a sparkling turn of foot to reel in Ombudsman late on in the Coral-Eclipse and although forced to play second-fiddle to that rival at York, has since struck back with a quality performance in the Irish Champion Stakes. Been on the go now since March but every reason to expect another huge effort on this colt’s swansong outing before heading to stud. Also entered for the QEII.
DEVIL’S ADVOCATE (John & Thady Gosden)
Form: 0-41
Supplemented into the race by Ombudsman’s connections and likely to try and ensure a decent gallop. Did win a Doncaster handicap from a mark of 104 just last month so he’s clearly no mug himself but hard to envisage him hanging tough for a piece of the action late on.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO (Aidan O’Brien)
Form: 2-3168
Stepped up on Dundalk comeback run in March to win the Dee Stakes at Chester but missed the bulk of the summer and hasn’t looked the most straightforward in a couple of starts since returning to action. He could be among those utilised to set a decent gallop.
Verdict
- FOX LEGACY
- Calandagan
- Ombudsman
Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook | Free bets
Most Group 1s billed as two or three-horse races turn out to be anything but in reality and although Saturday's Champion Stakes looks a red-hot contest on paper, it's worth underlining that three of the last four winners of this returned double-figure SPs, including 40/1 hero Anmaat just 12 months ago.
So for all the hype is likely to surround Ombudsman against Delacroix all over again, the one I like most near the top of the market is Francis Graffard's gelding Calandagan, who looked a shade unlucky to be picked off late in the piece here 12 months ago and has shown himself to be better than ever this time around.
However, at a big price the each-way suggestion is the progressive FOX LEGACY, who has taken his form to new levels since joining the red-hot Andrew Balding and lines up here via a strong performance in the John Smith's Cup at York and an even more striking display when turning a competitive-looking conditions event at Goodwood into a rout.
The ceiling of his ability is far from set in stone at this stage of his career and he'll be well-suited by a strongly-run 10 furlongs on decent ground, with the stiff finish of no concern either given he was tried over a mile and a half a couple of times during his time with Sir Michael Stoute.
Updated at 1000 BST on 16/10/25
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