Qatar Racing Champion Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 2m 4.22s

(1)

Almaqam³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: K Shoemark| T: E Walker| OR: 124| D

12/1

Third in this race last year, before gaining a breakthrough success at the highest level in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on return. Proved at least as good as ever when narrowly denied in the International at York, but wasn't in quite the same form when fourth in the Irish Champion.

Form: 33-1424

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(5)

Bay City Roller¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Oisin Murphy| T: George Scott| OR: 119

17/2

Recorded a first Group 1 victory in Munich on final outing last year and hasn't looked back since, recording a wide-margin success in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Confirmed that effort under less testing conditions when runner-up in the Arc 13 days ago and can make his presence felt once more.

Form: 1-22122

(4)

Calandagan⁸⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: C Soumillon| T: F Graffard| OR: 130| BF| CD

5/2

Enjoyed an outstanding 2025 with a 4-timer at the highest level, winning the King George here before going on to success in this race and the Japan Cup. Has added 2 more Group 1s this season, before runner-up to Kalpana in his defence of the King George. Not taken lightly on the back of a break.

Form: 11-1412

(6)

Devil's Advocate^p⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 109| D

80/1

Smart performer in his own right, runner-up in listed race at Kempton on return. However, has been employed as a pacemaker for stablemate Ombudsman, including in this race last year, and looks set for the same role here.

Form: 17-2477

(2)

Ombudsman⁵⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 132| BF| CD

5/4

Runner-up to Calandagan in this race last year but has taken his form up another level this season, landing the Prince of Wales's (for second year running) here in emphatic fashion. Not seen to best effect on softer ground when fourth in the International at York, so he's well worth another chance.

Form: 12-1114

(3)

Constitution River³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 123| BF| D

9/2

Dual Group 1 winner this season, overcoming a poor draw in the French Derby before a decisive success in the Eclipse at Sandown. Not in the same form the last twice, third in both the International at York (raced freely) and Irish Champion (hung left), but he's in the right hands to bounce back.

Form: 1-11133

Forecasts

Ombudsman (5/4), Calandagan (5/2), Constitution River (9/2), Bay City Roller (17/2), Almaqam (12/1), Devil's Advocate (80/1)

A much-anticipated renewal, with preference for OMBUDSMAN given the excellent impression he made in the Prince of Wales's Stakes this summer. Having had excuses at York since, he can reverse the placings with Calandagan from last year's race, though the French raider is much respected with his strong course record. Bay City Roller completes the shortlist on the back of his admirable second in the Arc.