GOSDENS’ REVENGE MISH-ION
Juddmonte winner can reverse King George form with Adayar back over his favourite trip
CHAMPION STAKES (3.50)
MISHRIFF has the gears to deny Adayar as a stellar cast assembles for the Qipco British Champions Day feature.
Britain’s richest race, offering £1.2 million in prize money, looks a cracker – and the cream should rise to the top. Last year’s winner Addeybb can be relied upon to put in a shift once more, but he is unlikely to match the finishing kick of the selection.
Sublime in the Juddmonte International, with a six-length cushion over his field, Mishriff finally put it all together on home turf. The Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic scorer had taken time to come to hand after his travels and is rated 5lb higher than when chasing home Adayar in the King George.
That was over 1m 4f and, down to the same 1m2f trip as his breathtaking York display, the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt can get his revenge.
LONG DISTANCE CUP (1.25)
Like Adayar, Trueshan and Stradivarius arrive at Ascot after a trip to the continent. Trueshan was a clear-cut victor in their much-awaited clash and should uphold the form in the opener.
Yet, at bigger odds, HAMISH, unexposed as a stayer, makes plenty of appeal up in trip. He missed the Ebor on account of the ground and few fancied him to defeat odds-on Hukum on the allweather. But that he did and this likeable performer can narrow the ratings gap on the top
two.
SPRINT STAKES (2.00)
Connections hope first-time blinkers will give Hollie Doyle’s mount Glen Shiel a fighting chance of retaining his title.
He showed a bit more of his old spark last time, but ROHAAN has the talent to round off an unbelievable season.
Rated just 55 on his handicap debut, he has now taken his place in the upper echelon of the British sprinting division.
Two from two over course and distance, no horse will be finishing stronger over the six furlongs than Ryan Moore’s (left) mount.
Dragon Symbol, demoted from first at Royal Ascot, should be there at the business end for
jockeys’ title-chaser Oisin Murphy, while Happy Power may nick a place at a price.
FILLIES & MARES (2.35)
Back against her own sex, Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes favourite SNOWFALL cannot be opposed.
The English and Irish Oaks heroine brought up the fourtimer in the Yorkshire version.
Not seen to best effect in her Arc trial, she then finished sixth in the race itself.
Shock winner Torquator Tasso aside, the right horses filled the places, suggesting the form will stand up.
BALMORAL HANDICAP (4.30)
With Frankie Dettori on board, Balmoral Handicap runner Sunray Major will be a popular choice.
A half-brother to the top class Kingman, he made a mockery of his opening handicap mark 15 days ago. A 6lb penalty should not stop the bandwagon rolling on, however he is no value at the forecast odds.
Instead, plump for ALDAARY, a commanding winner at the track 14 days ago. He also has the same extra weight to carry as the market leader – and there is clearly plenty under the bonnet.