Open to thoroughbreds three years and older, the 2000m Champion Stakes takes place at Ascot this Sunday morning at 1.05am Australian time.
With £1.3 million in prize money it is the U.K’s most richest race after the Epsom Derby.
Possibly because of this it has attracted a more higher class of animal in recent years. In 2012 the first, Cirrus Des Aigles and the second, So You Think posted Timeform ratings of 133 and 132 respectively.
Last years winner Frankel came out of the race with a Timeform rating of 143 with the second, Cirrus Des Aigles receiving 136 for his performance.
These are serious ratings for the last two renewals possibly making it the worlds best race during this period.
Cirrus Des Aigles goes into the race as a strong favourite at 11/10.
We haven’t seen the best of the horse so far this year, probably because at seven years of age he doesn’t retain the same ability.
However he did show so some of his old spark when wining the Group 2 Prix Dollar two weeks ago.
In the past he has always shown his best on good to soft or soft/dead ground, the likely going at Ascot this time of year.
godolphin’s Farrh hasn’t been seen since an impressive victory in the Lockinge back in May due to injury. He has run well in the past first up after a break and goes well on all types of going.
Ruler of the World was a well beaten seventh in the Arc two weeks ago.
He should improve on that performance but I can’t seem him winning this. Kingsbarn performed poorly in last months Irish Champion Stakes and will have to improve a lot to feature here.
Likewise Sir Michael Stoutes Hillstar will have give a career best performance to win this.
Selections
1. Farrh 2. Cirrus Des Aigles 3. Ruler of the World.
johnny nevin is a legend
Roar Pro
Sheek, I suppose it is a big days racing with both the QE11 and Champions Stakes on the same day but unlike the Breeders Cup or Dubai World Cup I can't see it being the peak of the UK flat season. U.K top races are spread out fairly good with the Guineas in May, the Derby and Royal Ascot in June, the Eclipse and King George in July and Glorious Goodwood in August.
sheek
Roar Guru
Hi Johnny, It's an interesting concept - British Champion's day. The Americans have their Breeders Cup series & both Dubai & Hong Kong have a day of signature variable distance races. It probably also demonstrates why Australian racing is so good, we don't need these kind of "all eggs in one basket" days, since we have so many good races spread out throughout the year around the country. I just hope our administrators, breeders, etc, don't ruin our racing future by going too far the American way with countless, soulless sprint races.