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| Staff Writer |
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Checkandchallenge is set to partner with top jockey Christophe Soumillon in a bid for Group One success in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. The William Knight-trained 5YO will be looking to improve on last year's fourth-place finish in the same race.
Knight's charge has shown promise since undergoing a gelding procedure mid-summer. The operation appears to have had a positive effect, with Checkandchallenge putting in solid performances in his recent outings.
Running well in defeat, the son of Fast Company finished a close second in the Listed Fortune Stakes at Sandown last time out. This followed a respectable third-place finish in the Gr.3 Strensall Stakes at York, where he was beaten just over a length.
The booking of Soumillon is seen as a potential game-changer for Checkandchallenge's chances. The French ace has previously guided the horse to Group-race success, winning the Prix Daphnis at Deauville in 2022.
Knight is optimistic about his charge's prospects, saying: "He's in great form at home, I couldn't be happier with him. Obviously it's a tough race, but we've secured Christophe Soumillon to ride, who has won on him before. I think he'll run a big race."
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, first run in 1955, has a rich history of producing top-class winners. Notable recent victors include the brilliant Baaeed in 2021 and the ever-popular Palace Pier in 2020. Both horses went on to achieve further Group One success, with Baaeed retiring undefeated after his 2022 Juddmonte International triumph.
Discussing Checkandchallenge's preferences, Knight added: "He won't mind any ease in the ground, and he goes there in really good nick. His last runs since being gelded have been really solid runs, I think he likes the straight track there and he could run a really good race on Saturday."
The straight mile at Ascot has been the scene of many memorable performances in the QEII, and Knight is hoping Checkandchallenge can add his name to the illustrious list of winners.
As the big day approaches, all eyes will be on this intriguing partnership of Soumillon and Checkandchallenge. With the jockey's experience and the horse's improved form, connections are quietly confident of a strong showing in one of the autumn's most prestigious mile contests.