Insights from Trainers on the Champion Stakes
Roger Varian’s Hopes High as King Of Steel Heads to Qipco Champion Stakes
With only one runner on British Champions Day, Roger Varian is feeling the pressure as King Of Steel prepares for his bid in the highly anticipated Qipco Champion Stakes. Despite having just one horse competing, it is not just any horse but a headline-making contender. Having finished second in the Derby at Epsom and claimed victory in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot over 12 furlongs, King Of Steel has proven himself with notable performances in races such as the prestigious King George and Irish Champion Stakes.
This time, he aims to secure his first top-level success, adding an extra layer of expectation due to being Frankie Dettori’s final mount in European action. The significance of this event does not go unnoticed by Varian, who acknowledges both the excitement and pressure that comes with participating in one of Flat racing calendar’s marquee events.
“It’s a day you want to be involved in,” he said enthusiastically. “Unfortunately we have only got the one runner this year, but we have done well at the meeting in the past.”
Varian further highlights their previous successes at British Champions Day which include winning Balmoral once or twice and securing Group One victories for two consecutive years. As they look ahead to this year’s edition of the event, their aim remains clear – returning home with another major prize under their belt.
“We’re looking forward to it and it’s exciting,” expressed Varian. “You feel a bit of pressure on the day because you should do, it matters, it’s a big deal.”
King Of Steel’s potential triumph would undoubtedly be an important moment for Varian and his team as they hope for their talented contender to claim victory in a prominent race.
“He’s a good horse and we want him to win a big race,” emphasized Varian. “There will be a little bit of pressure on the day, but that comes with being represented by one of the fancied horses in one of the big races. It’s a position we want to be in and we’re looking forward to it.”
Despite King Of Steel’s narrow defeat when dropping back down to 1 mile and ¼ furlongs in the Irish Champion Stakes, Varian remains optimistic about his chances at Ascot.
“We’ve been very happy with him since Leopardstown,” revealed Varian confidently. “We’ve consciously spread his races out, but he’s had hard races because he’s been racing at the top level and he’s not run a bad race all year.”
Varian acknowledges that Saturday’s competition won’t be any easier due to the tough field assembled for Qipco Champion Stakes; however, King Of Steel has proven himself throughout the season. The trainer believes that running on Ascot’s challenging course will work in their favor:
“I think we can gain some confidence and positivity… I suppose any track would not concern me too much knowing [the abilities of] our horse.”
A Favorable Course Change Benefits Mostahdaf
Fans eagerly anticipate seeing John & Thady Gosden-trained Mostahdaf return to the track under jockey Jim Crowley in the Qipco Champion Stakes. The horse’s previous victory at York’s Juddmonte International, ridden by Frankie Dettori during Crowley’s suspension, showcased his talent. However, Mostahdaf has a distinct dislike for testing ground conditions.
“We’re very keen to run… we know that [testing ground] is not his favoured surface,” explained Angus Gold, racing manager for Shadwell owners. “I realise there are other people who disagree… but you have to run it on the best ground possible.”
Gold expresses satisfaction with the racecourse organizers’ decision to move the race onto Ascot’s inner course as it will provide more suitable ground conditions for Mostahdaf and attract top-quality horses.
“From our point of view switching the courses has to help… I don’t think the soft ground horses will be inconvenienced anyway,” stated Gold.
Given Mostahdaf’s recent successes over ten furlongs and victories in prestigious races such as Saudi Cup, he remains a strong contender despite facing tough competition at Ascot. With careful consideration regarding track suitability from John Gosden and Angus Gold alongside their determination to make adjustments based on prevailing circumstances, they hope that Mostahdaf can deliver another impressive performance in this highly anticipated race.