A Day to savour

AFTER losing some of his gloss when defeated in the Arc, Adayar can sparkle again by capturing the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The majestic Derby winner failed to get home in the Arc when fourth behind Torquator Tasso due to a combination of circumstances.

The son of Frankel was forced to forego his crucial prep race after a leg infection, suggesting he was not at the very top of his game. Also, overenthusiastic riding tactics on Charlie Appleby’s (above) mount did not help on the gruelling Longchamp ground.

Mishriff represents the obvious danger but he was no match for ADAYAR (3.50, nap,

ITV) when well beaten in the King George at Ascot in July. Admittedly, Adayar drops in trip today but he won over a mile as a two-year-old. Nothing would please me more, and many others, if Stradivarius bounced back to his best in the opener, but after he was hammered by TRUESHAN (1.25, treble, ITV) at Longchamp it looks highly unlikely. Today’s ground will be ideal for Trueshan, but not for Stradivarius.

After some gallant runs in defeat, DRAGON SYMBOL (2.00, ITV) is expected to be rewarded. He will relish the testing ground and the return to six furlongs.

Having beaten the majority of her rivals in the past, SNOWFALL (2.35) gets the vote in the Fillies & Mares Stakes.

After fluffing his lines in last year’s QEII Stakes PALACE PIER (3.10, ITV) is expected to make amends.

Last season the colt was slow out of the stalls, lost a front shoe and loathed the bottomless ground. But he will have to put that behind him with Baaeed after his scalp.

Palace Pier’s connections, team Gosden and Frankie Dettori, can sign off by taking the Balmoral Handicap with SUNRAY MAJOR (4.30, nb, ITV). The colt is well-treated despite carrying a penalty for his win here 15 days ago.