French star set to give Found another hiding
R74.4 million in stakes are paid out at the meeting.
ANOTHER DOSE: Almanzor bypassed the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and his fresh legs could carry him to victory in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Once touted as Britain’s answer to the Breeders’ Cup, Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday carries prize money of £4.2 million (R74.4 million). It may not float the boat of the Americans, who prefer the Hollywood atmosphere of Royal Ascot in June, but it is still the richest day’s racing in the UK and has attracted the crème de la crème of the thoroughbred world.
Five Group races, four served at the top table, plus a competitive £250,000 handicap over 1600m will see racegoers flooding through the turnstiles, with the piece de resistance being the £1.3-million Qipco Champion Stakes. Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Found will be seeking revenge on French-trained superstar Almanzor, who came out on top when they clashed in last month’s Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
Even a filly as tough as Found, who has barely missed a dance all season, might find it hard to bounce back just 13 days after her exertions in Chantilly and I must side with ALMANZOR. He is the best middle-distance colt in France this year, having won his last four races including the G1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly in June.
Jean-Claude Rouget resisted the temptation to run Almanzor in the Arc as he feels that 2000m is his best distance at present. While Found was probably not fully tuned up at Leopardstown, the acceleration Almanzor showed to come from virtually last on the home turn and sweep by the entire field had top UK trainer John Gosden declaring “that was the best performance by any horse in Europe this season”.
Aidan O’Brien’s dual classic winner Minding reverts to 1600m for the first time since she was beaten in the Irish 1000 Guineas in May when she takes on RIBCHESTER and Galileo Gold in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Ribchester has done nothing but improve all season and produced a career-best performance in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. With 2000 Guineas and Royal Ascot hero Galileo Gold losing his mojo in France and Minding seemingly wanting a longer trip these days, I’ll stick with Godolphin’s star of 2016.
Provided Ascot do not get too much of the forecast rain on Friday then LIMATO, impressive winner of the Prix de la Foret at Chantilly on Arc day, can successfully switch back to 1200m in the Champions Sprint. Shalaa and Quiet Reflection are the dangers, while Coolmore’s SEVENTH HEAVEN, who took the scalp of Found in the Yorkshire Oaks, can win the Filly & Mares Stakes at the main expense of another Gosden horse in Journey.
O’Brien is closing in on Bobby Frankel’s world record of Group 1s and his banker on the card is probably his ORDER OF ST GEORGE in the Long Distance Cup.
He ran a corker to finish third in the Arc and back at the scene of his Gold Cup victory in June, he can set the first of the sparks flying on what should prove to be a fabulous day.
Gosden’s CASTLE HARBOUR is the choice in the finale. He found Ribchester and company too hot to handle in the Jersey at Royal Ascot, but has had a break and is raring to return in less-exalted company.
