Exciting Alignment Awaited for Champions Day with Stellar Line-up

zQipco Champion Stakes at Ascot: Horizon Dore, Mostahdaf, King Of Steel and Bay Bridge Ready for Battle

The prestigious Qipco Champion Stakes is set to take place at Ascot on Saturday, with a strong field of 11 horses confirmed for the showdown. Among them are some notable contenders including Horizon Dore, Mostahdaf, King Of Steel and last year’s champion Bay Bridge.

In recent years, French-trained horses have made their mark in this race with winners like Cirrus Des Aigles (2011), Almanzor (2016) and Sealiway (2021). Now it’s Patrice Cottier’s turn as his formidable steed Horizon Dore aims to extend his winning streak to four after a convincing victory in the Prix Dollar.

Leading the home team charge are John and Thady Gosden’s talented colt Mostahdaf, Roger Varian’s King Of Steel and defending champion Bay Bridge trained by Sir Michael Stoute. Mostahdaf has showcased his top-level capabilities with wins in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York this summer. However, concerns arise about his preference for fast ground if significant rain hits later in the week.

King Of Steel recently finished fourth in a closely contested Irish Champion Stakes and will be ridden by renowned jockey Frankie Dettori – potentially one of his final rides before retirement. Meanwhile, Bay Bridge will step back in distance after finishing sixth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Nashwa from the Gosden stable has also been confirmed as a runner alongside William Haggas’ duo My Prospero (last year’s third-place finisher) and globetrotting Dubai Honour. Other acceptors include Via Sistina trained by George Boughey, Royal Rhyme from Karl Burke’s yard, and Aidan O’Brien’s pair of Point Lonsdale and Paddington – the latter expected to line up in the preceding Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile.

Mouthwatering Clash Expected in Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup

The action-packed day at Ascot kicks off with the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup. It promises an exciting duel between Trueshan and Kyprios. Trained by Alan King, Trueshan has made a remarkable comeback after a lackluster start this season. He triumphed in both the Doncaster Cup and Prix du Cadran recently and aims for his fourth consecutive win in this Group Two race.

Kyprios, on the other hand, had an outstanding year with victories in the Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup, and Irish St Leger before delivering an impressive 20-length victory in the Cadran. Although he was defeated on his return from a long break last month, significant improvement is anticipated.

Coltrane is another contender worth watching out for among the ten hopefuls but notable absentee Courage Mon Ami – winner of the Gold Cup – will be missing from this thrilling encounter.

Star-Studded Field Ready for Qipco British Champions Sprint

The Qipco British Champions Sprint boasts 18 talented sprinters vying for glory including Kinross trained by Ralph Beckett and Shaquille under Julie Camacho’s guidance. This highly competitive event promises high-speed excitement as these speedsters battle it out on Ascot’s turf.

Fierce Competition Anticipated in Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes

In contention for victory are 18 magnificent fillies and mares, including Free Wind from the Gosden stable, Time Lock trained by Harry and Roger Charlton, Sea Silk Road under William Haggas’ care, and the versatile Via Sistina. Henry de Bromhead has also supplemented Group Three winner Term Of Endearment to enhance the already fierce competition.

Migration Leads 32 Confirmed Runners in Balmoral Handicap

The concluding race of the day is the highly anticipated Balmoral Handicap. The weights are headed by Migration, trained by David Menuisier – a proven victor in this year’s Lincoln. With a total of 32 horses confirmed for this thrilling contest at Ascot, it promises an exciting end to Champions Day.