Champion Stakes horse-by-horse guide

The stage is set for a superb edition of the Qipco Champion Stakes and Sporting Life’s Matt Brocklebank has a big-priced each-way fancy in tomorrow’s Ascot feature. There will be hong Kong World Betting on most of the races at Ascot.

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ALMAQAM (Trainer: Ed Walker)

Always considered a top-class prospect and, after just coming up short last year, appeared to have really announced himself when beating Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown earlier this season. However, he’s failed to add to his tally in a couple of Group 2 assignments since including when tried over 2400min an Arc trial last month. Missed the big one at ParisLongchamp due to the prospect of good ground. Still an each-way player on peak form but he now has the odd question to answer all over again.

CALANDAGAN (Francis Graffard)

World-class gelding whose four starts since looking a shade unlucky to finish second to Anmaat in this race last year have all come over 2400m. Appeared as good as ever when beating Kalapana to land the King George on his most recent start and his top French yard has been working back from Champions Day ever since given how much he seems to enjoy Ascot. A strong pace back at 2000m will suit and he’s a massive threat to all.

ECONOMICS (William Haggas)

Looked in pretty good order when making a recent public appearance in a Newmarket racecourse gallop but hasn’t tasted competitive action since finishing sixth (2-1) in last year’s Champion Stakes. Went into the 2024 renewal having won a maiden, the Dante, a French Group 2 and the Irish Champion Stakes so no doubting his talent, but the layoff this time around is potentially a big issue in a race quite as hot as this.

FIRST LOOK (Andre Fabre)