Trainer’s decision to avoid Arc can be vindicated

can deliver on one of the biggest stages in Flat racing by winning the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The John Gosden-trained Frankel colt arrives at the glittering finale to the British season as a relatively fresh horse, with connections having resisted the temptation of the Prix de l’arc de Triomphe at Chantilly, won so brilliantly by stablemate Enable.

Placed in both the English and Irish Derby, Frankie Dettori’s mount looked an improved performer when winning the Great Voltigeur at York in August and was not hard-pushed to continue his progression in the Prix Niel.

That led to a clamour from armchair experts to see him in the Arc, but Gosden and owner Anthony Oppenheimer rightly stood firm – a decision that should be vindicated here, with cut in the ground certain to suit over 10 furlongs and few riders better at Ascot than Dettori, especially if he decides to do it from the front.

Connections were initially lukewarm on the idea of another run this season, but could not pass up this opportunity.

Aidan O’brien has been impossible to keep out of the headlines this year when it has mattered most, so expect to see ORDER OF ST GEORGE put the record straight in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup.

At Catterick, DESERT ACE is expected to improve on a run of second places in the Totequadpot Claiming Stakes and should get the job done with Luke Morris on board.

Order Of St George, 2.00 Harry Angel, 2.40 Bateel, 3.15 Beat The Bank, 3.50 CRACKSMAN (NAP), 4.30 Zabeel Prince.

CATTERICK: 1.50 Emphatic, 2.25 Crotchet, 2.55 Desert Ace, 3.30 Udontdodou, 4.05 Theos Lolly, 4.40 Flyboy, 5.10 Our Cilla.

DOUBLE: Cracksman and Order Of St George.