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| Staff Writer |
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The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Gr.1 on British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse will not include Inspiral due to the expected testing conditions.
Cheveley Park Stud's 4YO emerged victorious in the Sun Chariot Stakes Gr.1 at Newmarket, triumphing by 3 3/4 lengths with Frankie Dettori aboard.
Following a close defeat to Triple Time in the Queen Anne Stakes Gr.1 at Royal Ascot, Inspiral struggled on soft ground and finished towards the back of the field in the Prix Jacques le Marois Gr.1 in August.
"Sadly the weather has gone against us," said Cheveley Park's managing director Chris Richardson. "Her performance last time was outstanding, so it's very frustrating she can't run on Saturday."
Although her connections had mentioned that they were considering the Filly & Mares Turf (G1T) at the Breeders' Cup, which would take place at Santa Anita on 4th November, Richardson clarified that a final decision had not yet been reached.
"She could well be looking towards Santa Anita over a mile and a quarter," joint-trainer John Gosden told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast. "That will be the race to go for, if she goes."
The recent rainfall brought about by Storm Babet changed the course conditions in Ascot, with the straight and round courses now being soft. This development occurred on Thursday morning, and more rain is expected to come in on Friday.
Nashwa, trained by John and Thady Gosden of Inspiral, is still scheduled to participate in the QEII, despite having the option to run in the Qipco Champion Stakes, which covers an extra two furlongs.