Read our British Champions Day preview part one
Published:British Champions Day is here at Ascot, with six races on the card, five of which feature some of the superstars of the season.
Here we feature the Long Distance Cup, the Champion Sprint and the Filles’ and Mares’ Stakes in the first part of our preview.
13:45 – Aiken @ 11/2
Although there are only nine runners in the Long Distance Cup, this is a tough puzzle to solve.
Fame And Glory has looked a shadow of his former self on his last two starts, both Colour Vision and Saddler’s Rock have no form on soft ground, Ile De Re has to show significant improvement and Rite Of Passage has to overcome a lengthy course absence.
Of the main protagonists, Opinion Poll looks the most reliable over this shorter trip of 2m, but Aiken is unbeaten on soft ground and is unexposed over the trip.
He is picked with a slight risk, but could relish this step up in distance.
14:20 – Slade Power @ 7/1
Based on figures Society Rock may have a bit in hand over the majority of these and will have no problems over the distance or on the ground, which makes him a worthy favourite.
However, Slade Power has looked a class act this season and certainly has a Group-level victory on his compass. He can edge this.
The fact that Wizz Kid has never won over 6f and had a tough race at Longchamp within the last fortnight are negatives for her chances.
Of those at each-way prices, Sirius Prospect has become a frustrating horse to follow because of difficulties breaking from the stalls, but if this comes good at Ascot, he has serious place claims at worst.
14:55 – Sapphire @ 3/1
Great Heavens is the stand-out female in the field and she will take all of the beating if not still feeling the effects of trying to win the Arc.
Therefore, preference goes to Sapphire, who is three from three over 1m4f and comes from the shrewd Dermot Weld, who is very selective in which horses he brings over from Ireland.
French raider La Pomme D’Amour has beaten Arc winner Solemia previously this season and she can prove an unknown quantity at an each-way price.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
