Horizon Dore, Mostahdaf, King Of Metal and final yr’s winner Bay Bridge are amongst 11 horses confirmed for the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Cirrus Des Aigles (2011), Almanzor (2016) and Sealiway (2021) are among the many current French-trained winners of the Champions Day spotlight – and having prolonged his successful streak to 4 within the Prix Greenback, Patrice Cottier’s Horizon Dore bids so as to add his title to the roll of honour.
The house staff is led by John and Thady Gosden’s Mostahdaf, the Roger Varian-trained King Of Metal and Sir Michael Stoute’s defending champion Bay Bridge.
Mostahdaf demonstrated his top-level capabilities by successful the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Juddmonte Worldwide at York through the summer time, however connections will probably be involved in regards to the prospect of serious rain later within the week for a horse who prefers quick floor.
King Of Metal, final seen ending a close-up fourth within the Irish Champion Stakes, is about to be partnered by Frankie Dettori for what might be his remaining trip in Britain earlier than retirement, whereas Bay Bridge will step again in distance after ending sixth within the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
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Horizon Dore lands the Prix Prince d’Orange at ParisLongchamp
The Gosden staff have additionally confirmed Nashwa, whereas William Haggas has left in each final yr’s third My Prospero and the globetrotting Dubai Honour.
Through Sistina (George Boughey), Royal Rhyme (Karl Burke) and Aidan O’Brien’s pair of Level Lonsdale and Paddington are the opposite acceptors, though the latter is broadly anticipated to line up within the previous Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile.
Paddington vs Tahiyra in QEII
Paddington has been one of many stars of the season for Ballydoyle, successful the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the St James’s Palace Stakes, the Coral-Eclipse and the Sussex Stakes earlier than assembly with defeat for the primary time this yr when third behind Mostahdaf on the Knavesmire in August.
Amongst 13 doable rivals this weekend are Dermot Weld’s Irish Guineas, Coronation Stakes and Matron Stakes heroine Tahiyra, Nashwa, her stablemate Inspiral, 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean and the supplemented Angel Bleu.
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Tahiyra and Chris Hayes win the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes
Trueshan vs Kyprios in Lengthy Distance Cup
The afternoon will get below method with the Qipco British Champions Lengthy Distance Cup, which is about to stage a conflict between Trueshan and Kyprios.
Alan King’s Trueshan has bounced again from an underwhelming begin to his marketing campaign by successful the Doncaster Cup and the Prix du Cadran within the autumn and he now will get the chance to land this Group Two prize for the fourth yr in succession.
Kyprios received the Gold Cup, the Goodwood Cup and the Irish St Leger in 2022 earlier than registering a exceptional 20-length verdict within the Cadran. He was overwhelmed on his return from practically a yr on the sidelines within the Irish Leger final month, however might be anticipated to take a major step ahead.
Coltrane can also be amongst 10 hopefuls, however Gold Cup hero Braveness Mon Ami is a notable absentee.
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Trueshan and Hollie Doyle edge out Coltrane to win the Lengthy Distance Cup
Shaquille in Dash combine
Kinross (Ralph Beckett) and Shaquille (Julie Camacho) are two of 18 speedsters to face their floor for the Qipco British Champions Dash.
There are additionally 18 horses in competition for the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes together with Free Wind (Gosdens), Time Lock (Harry and Roger Charlton), Sea Silk Street (Haggas) and the doubly engaged Through Sistina. Henry de Bromhead has supplemented Group Three winner Time period Of Endearment.
The Balmoral Handicap is the concluding race and Lincoln winner Migration, educated by David Menuisier, is on the head of the weights after 32 horses had been confirmed.