Charyn has been tipped to win the QE II Stakes (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)
1 2:20 PM SA Time – Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 2) (British Champions Series)
One of the great stayers, Kyprios hasn’t looked back since being defeated by TRAWLERMAN in this 12 months ago. Now an eight-time Group 1 winner following his second success in the Prix du Cadran a fortnight ago, the top-class son of Galileo attempts to round off a hitherto perfect season in style. It’s been a long campaign, though, and Trawlerman could exploit any chinks in his armour. The Gosdens’ six-year-old has been kept fresh since chasing home Aidan O’Brien’s star in the Gold Cup here in June, but he has often come alive at this time of year and it would come as no surprise to see him mount a bold title defence. Al Nayyir impressed in Listed company at Newmarket recently and is no forlorn hope, while Doncaster Cup hero Sweet William looks destined for a minor role.
Top Tip: Trawlerman (7)
Watch out for: Kyprios (5)
2 2:55 PM SA Time – Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)
KINROSS seeks redemption after finishing second as favourite in the Prix de la Foret, having also occupied the runner-up spot 12 months earlier. Ralph Beckett’s gelding didn’t enjoy as kind a passage as the winner and could perhaps be marked up. Also a previous winner of this, he looks certain to have the race run to suit and is fancied to repay his supporters. There will be challenges aplenty, perhaps none more so than from Montassib, who took his form to a new level when winning the Sprint Cup at Haydock. French challenger Beauvatier finished a place behind the selection on Arc day and may not be far away, while others to note include Mill Stream and last year’s victor Art Power, who arrives in similar form this time around.
Top Tip: Kinross (4)
Watch out for: Montassib (6)
3 3:35 PM SA Time – Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)
Kalpana was visually impressive when winning the September Stakes at Kempton last month. The improving three-year-old remains of definite interest, but she has yet to prove herself under these conditions and, although pedigree suggests it shouldn’t be an issue, a chance can be taken on TIFFANY. Three from four this season, with her most recent triumph coming in a Group 2 at Baden-Baden, she’s been equally as progressive and, with slow ground certain to suit, the daughter of Farhh may provide some value. Yorkshire Oaks heroine Content holds all the aces on official figures but, on this ground, her Prix de Royallieu-winning stablemate Grateful might be the bigger threat.
Top Tip: Tiffany (7)
Watch out for: Kalpana (12)
4 4:15 PM SA Time – Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by Qipco) (Group 1) (British Champions Mile) (Str)
Charyn has four wins from six starts and two second places this year, with his victories including the Queen Anne here at the Royal meeting, although that was on a quicker surface. Second in the Prix du Moulin last time out, he is a worthy favourite but may struggle to give 6lb to Atalanta Stakes and Sun Chariot heroine TAMFANA. An unlucky fourth in the 1000 Guineas and beaten less than a length in the Prix de Diane, she hasn’t run a bad race all season and may make it three in a row. Quddwah has only lost the once, when fourth to Charyn in the Prix Jacques le Marois, and is one to consider at a far bigger price.
Top Tip: Tamfana (13)
Watch out for: Charyn (1)
5 4:55 PM SA Time – Qipco Champion Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Middle Distance)
Economics has been all the rage for this for some time and after keeping his perfect record for the year intact following a ding-dong battle with Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes, he will be tough to beat. However, CALANDAGAN came from an impossible position to finish a length second to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International at York, clocking some exceptional fractions late on, and a repeat of that might be enough to see the French challenger get the better of his market rival. Iresine gets on well with jockey Marie Velon and could steal the final placing ahead of Arc third Los Angeles, who appears the O’Brien number one.
Top Tip: Calandagan (7)
Watch out for: Economics (8)
6 5:35 PM SA Time – Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored By Qipco) (Str)
A wide-open handicap and one that hasn’t seen a successful favourite since 2017, with a 25/1 winner last year. Thunder Run took a competitive handicap at York’s Ebor Festival in August and he can go well with Ryan Moore booked to ride, but a 4lb rise may be enough to stop him. TOIMY SON has been targeted at this since his Cambridgeshire third and with a top-four finish in his last six outings and an added 2lb for future races, he is fancied to go close under Oisin Murphy, especially if he starts smartly. Elnajmm won here in July and he could be of some interest if first-time cheekpieces bring any improvement.
Top Tip: Toimy Son (14)
Watch out for: Thunder Run (10)