15:55 Ascot

Saturday 19 October 2024

All13:2013:5514:3515:1515:5516:35

Qipco Champion Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Middle Distance)

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 2m 8.96s

(5)

Anmaat¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Jim Crowley| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 115| BF| D

40/1

Cracking strike-rate in the last 3 years, including a Longchamp Group 1. Added to his excellent record fresh with a second win in the Rose of Lancaster at Haydock (10.5f, good to firm) in August but not at his best when only fifth in Group 2 Prix Dollar back at Longchamp a fortnight ago.

Form: 11/21-15

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(8)

Continuous¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: C Soumillon| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 114| BF| D

28/1

Won last year's St Leger. Built on his Royal Ascot reappearance fifth when winning the Royal Whip at the Curragh in August but only third to Iresine in the Foy next time and down the field in the Arc 13 days ago.

Form: 15-5130

(4)

Iresine³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: Marie Velon| T: J P Gauvin| OR: 117| BF| D

20/1

Very smart performer in France, including a win in the Group 1 Prix Ganay last year. Gained a second win the Group 2 Prix Foy at Longchamp last month and won't be fazed by this ground having won a Prix Royal Oak on heavy in 2022.

Form: 219-141

(2)

Royal Rhyme^t³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 116| D

25/1

Added to his very good record on going softer than good when landing the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown (1¼m, soft) on his reappearance in May. Behind a few of these rivals on a quicker surface since but he's one who could go well at big odds with ground conditions in his favour.

Form: 5-15467

(9)

Nashwa¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Hollie Doyle| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 117| D

40/1

Very smart mare with 3 Group 1 wins to her name but she's been well below that level in her 2 outings this year, albeit she ran as if needing the outing after 6 months off when fifth in the Sun Chariot a fortnight ago. Acts on soft.

Form: 3236-95

(1)

Calandagan⁵⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: S Pasquier| T: F Graffard| OR: 125| C| D

6/4

Most impressive tackling going firmer than good for the first time when a 6-length winner of King Edward at the Royal meeting. Bettered that form when length second to City of Troy (pair clear) in International at York (good to firm again) since. The one to beat if as effective back on deep ground.

Form: 1-21112

(6)

Economics³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 123| D

2/1

Dual Group 2 winner who battled gamely to make it 4-4 for the season in the Irish Champion at Leopardstown (1¼m, good) last month, fending off Auguste Rodin by a neck with Los Angeles a length back in fourth. Looks capable of even better.

Form: 4-1111

(11)

King's Gambit⁵⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: Harry Charlton| OR: 116| D

14/1

Impressive winner of the London Gold Cup (handicap) on his Newbury reappearance and even better form when placed at listed/Group level in his 3 outings since, including C&D. Los Angeles gave weight and a beating to him at York last time, though.

Form: 12-1223

(10)

Los Angeles¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 120| D

13/2

Placed in the Epsom Derby before winning the Irish version. Good effort to defy a Group 1 penalty in the Voltigeur at York in August before fine in-frame efforts in the Irish Champion (to Economics) and Arc this autumn. 1½m is his optimum trip but the ground should place the emphasis on stamina.

Form: 131143

(12)

Persica²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 112| D

50/1

Has really flourished as a 3-y-o, winning 2 competitive handicaps and an Ayr listed race (all 1¼m). Acts on soft and might be capable of even better but he'll require a big jolt of improvement to play a prominent role here.

Form: 410131

(3)

See The Fire¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: D Tudhope| T: A M Balding| OR: 113

66/1

Went close in the Group 1 Nassau at Goodwood before landing Group 3 Strensall at York (9f, good to firm) in August. Placed again in Group 1 company among her own sex when third in Sun Chariot at Newmarket 2 weeks ago. Return to 1¼m in favour but still hard to make a strong case for.

Form: 054213

Non-Runners

(7)

Novus⁸

Weight: 9-4| Age: 4

T: G & J Moore J: T P Queally

Forecasts

Calandagan (6/4), Economics (2/1), Los Angeles (13/2), King's Gambit (14/1), Iresine (20/1), Royal Rhyme (25/1), Continuous (28/1), Anmaat (40/1), Nashwa (40/1), Persica (50/1), See The Fire (66/1), Novus (100/1)

Progressive 3-y-os CALANDAGAN and Economics do need to prove themselves fully effective on deep ground but they are clear on form and have the potential for even better. The former had 11 others, including Arc winner Bluestocking, well behind him when chasing home City of Troy in a strong renewal of the International at York and is narrowly preferred. Los Angeles, Iresine and Royal Rhyme can fight it out for third.