ASCOT’s British Champions Day this Saturday provides a final chance for some of the stars of the Flat season to strut their stuff before the campaign winds down.
On a star-studded card, the aim is to hunt out a bit of ante-post value and take on the many short-priced favourites set to line up.
There are races where you can’t follow that policy, however, and I do think CALANDAGAN can win the Group One Champion Stakes (4.00pm) for a second year running.
Francis Henri-Graffard’s five-year-old was so impressive in this contest 12 months ago, when he powered clear of Ombudsman to win by over two lengths.
Arriving here fresh last year saw him produce one of his best performances and, given a similar preparation this time, I can see this French raider repeating the feat.
The ground at Ascot might not be as soft as it can be at this time of year, but I expect it to be on the slow side of good come Saturday.
Autumnal good ground can still be hard work, but Calandagan proved he can get through it last year, and I’m not so sure it suits his main market rival Ombudsman as much.
Hotazhell and Almaqam make some each-way appeal, but I expect Calandagan to once again stamp his class on this contest and the 5/2 around is fair.
William Haggas’ Almeraq will be a banker for many in the Group One British Champions Sprint Stakes (2.05pm), and that would be especially true if more rain arrives.
This is a race that can produce a shock, as was the case 12 months ago when Powerful Glory returned a 200/1 winner, and there have also been winners at 40/1, 33/1 and 28/1 in the last 10 years.
With that in mind, I’m happy to take a chance on two at each-way prices.
The first is another Haggas horse in DIVISION, who is probably a bigger price at 10/1 than he would be if his trainer didn’t also saddle the market leader.
This horse has some excellent form to his name, including when beaten less than a length into third in the Commonwealth Cup over this course and distance.
It didn’t look as though he was ready for his most recent run at Ascot earlier this month, having been given a break since August.
He still finished his race off well to be fourth though, and, with that run behind him, he should do better on Saturday.
Given the form he has shown, GREAT WISH looks a big price at 14/1.
This son of Night Of Thunder has won his last two races, including when destroying his rivals by over four lengths in a French Group Three last time.
It’s also worth remembering he was only just over two lengths behind Almeraq when they met at Royal Ascot this summer.
He’s likely such a big price as he’s trained by Danish handler Bent Olsen, and I’m happy to take the inflated odds.
Kalpana looks likely to cap a brilliant season for trainer Andrew Balding as she bids to defend her Group One British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2.40pm) crown.
While it takes a bit of imagination to see past her, I do think Johnny Murtagh’s BELIEVED is interesting at 20/1.
She ran a fine race to be a close third behind Enceladus in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, and last time out won a Group Three at Cork.
She’s clearly improving and, being owned by the day’s sponsors Qatar Racing, she should be primed to go well.
POINTERS SATURDAY
Division e/w 2.05pm Ascot
Great Wish e/w 2.05pm Ascot
Believed e/w 2.40pm Ascot
Calandagan 4.00pm Ascot