The flat season has had two epic stories to boast this year through the rise of the Andrew Lloyd Webber owned Too Darn Hot, who looks set to take all the beating at next year’s Newmarket 2000 Guineas and the triumphant return of Enable who regained his Arc crown by a whisker last weekend.
However, it’s all set for a crunch day at Ascot this Saturday and although the two aforementioned superstars will be chewing the feed in their stables this weekend, there remains a plethora of confirmed thoroughbred gladiators competing for the huge lucrative prize pots on offer. Stradivarius, Harry Angel, Capri, LahTi Dar and Cracksman are just some of the household names declared. This Qipco Champions Day looks too darn hot indeed!
*Warning! It’s still antipost odds on offer with all firms. Placing bets now will result in lost bets if horses are withdrawn on Saturday.
THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP, 1325 ASCOT
PICK: STRADIVARIUS (WIN)
The John Gosden trained Stradivarius (10/11 best with Betfred, William Hill) has confirmed himself this season as the king of the long distance Grade One’s with a 100% record in all of his 4 starts including a season defining triumph in the Qipco Goodwood Gold Cup. He has looked in total control in all of these races and should rightfully retain his crown and get punters off to a sound start in this opener. My only concern might be fatigue after a long season although he has had a considerable break since his last run on the 24th August at the York Ebor Meeting. He could be vulnerable to an improving type also or the Aidan O’Brien 2017 St Leger winner Capri (14’s Betfair, Paddy Power) who could easily improve.
THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES, 1400 ASCOT
PICK: BRANDO (Each Way)
The Tin Man and Harry Angel have dominated this championship in the last couple of years and although the latter has possibly proved to have the most talent between these two, the Clive Cox trained 4 year old hasn’t really cut it since his victory earlier in the season in a Group 2 at York. The Tin Man is just about the form horse but with the ground looking to be on the softer side of good, I would conclude that this may well be more open than the card suggests. Brando has always been a consistent sort and definitely seems to appreciate a bit of cut in the ground. The 9/1 on offer with Coral looks to be a worthy each way selection.
THE QIPCO BRITISH FILLIES & MARES STAKES, 1440 ASCOT
PICK: LAH TI DAR (win)
Lah Ti Dar was all the rage in the run up to last month’s St Leger but he failed to live up to it, being outstayed by the Aiden O’Brien trained Kew Gardens. Kew Gardens went on to finish a creditable 4 lengths 7th behind Enable in the Arc and might have got more competitive had he been up with the pace from the start. Therefore, the form has worked out fairly well for Lah Ti Dar and this race is much easier on paper. The John Gosden charge can justify the 6/4 available with Paddy Power.
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES, 1515 ASCOT
PICK: LAURENS (win)
ITV Racing’s Francesca Cumani has been waxing lyrical about this talented filly all season and it’s easy to see why. Laurens (9/2 Coral, William Hill) is very tough, versatile and consistent. She’s in top form currently having confirmed the form at Newmarket last week with Happily whom she beat in the 1000 Guineas last May. This is easily her toughest engagement to date and will need to step up but she does seem to be improving with every race. However, the French horses have not had a vintage season and the favourite Receletos is beatable despite a solid win at Longchamps last month. The other danger may come from Roaring Lion who steps back to 1 mile for the first time this season.
THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES, 1550 ASCOT
PICK: CAPRI (each way)
Cracksman is a well justified favourite for the big race of the day, however, Capri’s fine run in defeat to Enable in the Arc cannot be ignored and punters have latched onto the Aiden O’Brien charge this week, resulting in his odds being slashed from 16’s to best price 8/1 (Betfair, Bet Victor, Boylesports). He is dual declared, as he holds an entry for the Long Distance Cup but I feel Ballydoyle will want to keep him at 1 mile 4 after such a good run in the Arc. Could be the one to upset the Cracksman party.
THE BALMORAL HANDICAP, 1630 ASCOT
PICK: ZWAYYAN (each way)
This is always a fascinating betting heat and there’s plenty in contention to take this valuable handicap to round off the day. Zwayyan trained by Andrew Balding has been well backed this week and has produced all of his best form on soft to heavy surfaces. Additionally, he has an excellent record at Ascot with a couple of placings and a course and distance win back in 2017. 14/1 best with William Hill, Coral and Boylesports.
Good luck with all bets at Ascot this Saturday!
