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| Staff Writer |
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As the curtain falls on the flat racing season, all eyes turn to Ascot for the Gr.1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes this Saturday. The six-furlong contest promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with defending champion Art Power and the consistent Vadream headlining a competitive field.
The Tim Easterby-trained grey gelding Art Power is all set to defend his crown in what has become a happy hunting ground for the 6YO. With a remarkable record at Ascot, including a victory in the 2020 Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap and a third-place finish in the 2021 Diamond Jubilee Stakes, Art Power seems to relish the Berkshire track.
Easterby is brimming with confidence about his charge's chances. "He's in great form, we've been waiting for this race," the Yorkshire handler enthused. "He'll love the ground and he likes the track as well. We're really, really happy with him."
The soft conditions expected on Saturday should play right into Art Power's hooves, as Easterby added, "Every time he's run at Ascot he's run a good race so we're really looking forward to it."
While Art Power seeks to retain his title, Charlie Fellowes' mare Vadream is looking to go one better than her previous attempts in this prestigious contest. The 6YO has been knocking on the door all season, consistently running with credit without managing to get her nose in front.
Fellowes believes the booking of Kieran Shoemark could be the key to unlocking Vadream's potential. "One thing that is a big, big plus is that we've got Kieran Shoemark back on board," he explained. "They have a real affinity so having him back on board is a big plus for us. She loves being ridden by him and that's very important."
Both Art Power and Vadream have shown a particular affinity for soft ground and the Ascot track. Fellowes is confident that these factors will bring out the best in Vadream: "The ground is in her favour. She's been in arguably as good form as I think she's ever been in this season."
The mare's consistency this term has been noteworthy, with Fellowes highlighting her fourth-place finish in the Haydock Sprint Cup as a potential career-best performance.
The Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class winners. Last year's thrilling finish saw Art Power edge out Kinross by a neck in a pulsating battle. Other notable winners include Muhaarar (2015), who went on to become European Champion Sprinter, and The Tin Man (2016), who later claimed the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
As the stage is set for another electrifying renewal, racing fans can expect a fierce battle between the defending champion and the hungry challenger. With soft ground likely to play a crucial role, this year's Champions Sprint promises to be a fitting finale to the sprint category of the British Champions Series.