It is the finale of the British flat season at Ascot in the shape of British Champions Day. It is an absolute extravaganza of top-class racing and we have a selection for each race below.
Ascot Saturday Preview - 20/10/2018
13:25 Stradivarius 10/11, Thomas Hobson E/W 12/1
The opening race is the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 2). It is very difficult to see past STRADIVARIUS.
The John Gosden trained four-year-old is unbeaten this season and although only a close third last year, this renewal looks weaker.
He has been the stand out horse in his division this season and although there is a slight question about the soft ground, he should have enough in his locker to pick off his components in this Group 2.
14:00 Librisa Breeze win 7/1, Brando E/W 10/1
Next up it’s the Qipco British Champion Sprint Stakes (Group 1). This sprint over 6f looks a good opportunity for the Dean Ivory trained LIBRISA BREEZE to to follow up on last years victory in the race.
The horse looked to be returning to some sort of form when running at Deauville in August. Whilst his follow up run at Newbury was alarming the horse revels at Ascot and can grab his first win of the season here.
Brando of Kevin Ryan’s looks a threat after a strong run in a Group 1 at Haydock in September and is next best.
14:40 Lah Ti Dar 6/4. Pilaster 12/1 E/W
The Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) can see LAH TI DAR grab her first victory at the top level.
The unexposed Filly has just the four career runs and her only run at this level was a good second in St Leger last time out.
This drop back in trip is likely to suit and she is our nap of the day. Pilaster looks over-priced considering the progressive nature of the three-year-olds form up to her last run.
15:15 Roaring Lion 11/4, Lord Glitters E/W 8/1
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1) over 1m can go to the exciting three-year-old ROARING LION. The horse has rapidly since finishing third in the Derby back in June.
He is coming off a three-timer including a mightily impressive victory in Juddmonte at York.
David O’Meara’s Lord Glitters can chase him home based in his showing on his penultimate start at York and a very consistent season at Group level.
15:50 Cracksman 11/10
The Qipco Champions Stakes (Group 1) is arguably the feature of the day and can see CRACKSMAN return to winning ways.
Whilst a number of extremely dangerous horses contest the race, this superstar four-year-old can follow up on last year’s victory.
The horse had won five in a row before finishing second in June when last seen. The Lay-off should have helped and he can make it four Group One career victories.
16:30 Mitchum Swagger E/W 20/1
The lucky last is the Balmoral Handicap (Class 2). As is the case every year it is an extremely open affair. However, we think 20/1 shot MITCHUM SWAGGER is where the value is at.
He only finished twelfth of eighteen in this last year and has only had the two runs this year, one of which a good second at Doncaster in March.
If the six-year-old retains any of the ability of his younger years he is chucked in at the price.