Addeybb is good value call to retain Champion Stakes crown

Addeybb can shrug off a lengthy absence and defend his Qipco Champion Stakes title at Ascot. Haggas’ seven-yearold thrived in the tough conditions last October to secure a first British Group One and while the Ascot going is unlikely to be anywhere near as testing this time around there should still be – just about – enough cut for this admirable performer.

His need for ease has limited him to just three starts since his Champion Stakes success, but he has not been disgraced in those outings, chasing home old adversary Verry Elleegant when trying to claim a second Ranvet Stakes win at Rosehill in Australia in March before reversing that form to take a second Queen Elizabeth II Stakes win at Randwick.

Addeybb has had just one European start in 2021, chasing home St Mark’s Basilica in the Eclipse at Sandown, on ground probably a touch too quick for Haggas’ runner.

Both older horses were conceding 10lb to the winner and returning from a couple of months on the sidelines, so there was not much to choose between them, although Mishriff has boosted his prowilliam file since with a fine second in the King George and a Juddmonte International win.

Addeybb will have to be at his best to maintain the Eclipse form, but with a bit more cut than at Sandown, it is not out of the question.

John and Thady Gosden will likely take a leading role on the rest of the card, with Palace Pier expected to shine in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

The four-year-old has suffered just on defeat in 10 career outings, beaten into third by The Revenant in this race last year when connections reported the ground to be totally against their charge.

Palace Pier can certainly handle a bit of ease though, as he showed when beating Lady Bowthorpe in the Lockinge earlier this term, before adding Queen Anne gold to his tally at Royal Ascot.

His season was then slightly derailed by a blood disorder and John Gosden was clear Palace Pier was lacking in match practice when he fended off Poetic Flare by a neck to complete a rare Prix Jacques le Marois double last time out.

The Gosden team will hopefully have Palace Pier firing on all cylinders for what could be his last public appearance and while Baaeed and The Revenant are worthy opponents, Palace Pier is the form pick.