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| Staff Writer |
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The stage is set for a high-class showdown at Ascot as Economics and Calandagan remain on course for their eagerly anticipated clash in Saturday's Gr.1 Qipco Champion Stakes .
William Haggas' Economics narrowly leads the market as he seeks to add a second top-level victory to his impressive resume. The colt's thrilling triumph in last month's Irish Champion Stakes has positioned him as the one to beat.
Should Economics prevail, he would emulate the feat achieved by Magical in 2018, who last completed the illustrious Irish Champion Stakes-Champion Stakes double. The race has a rich history, with notable winners including Cracksman, Almanzor, and Frankel.
At the five-day forfeit stage, 17 horses remain in contention for the 1m2f contest. Among them is Calandagan, trained by Francis Graffard, who is set to return to the scene of his wide-margin victory in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Calandagan's connections will be buoyed by his admirable second-place finish to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International at York's Ebor meeting. The gelding now aims to become the fifth French-trained winner of the Champion Stakes since 2000, following in the hoofprints of Almanzor, Cirrus des Aigles, Pride, and Literato.
France's challenge could be further bolstered by Prix Foy winner Iresine. Meanwhile, Aidan O'Brien has left six entries intact, including Irish Derby hero Los Angeles and Yorkshire Oaks victor Content.
The card's other Group One contest, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, sees Charyn aiming to cap off a stellar season. The Roger Varian-trained 4YO, set to retire after this campaign, seeks to add to his Royal Ascot triumph in the Queen Anne Stakes and his Prix Jacques le Marois success at Deauville.
Charyn must bounce back from a defeat in the Prix du Moulin, facing stiff competition from impressive Sun Chariot Stakes heroine Tamfana. The field of 16 potential runners was bolstered by the US$86,800 supplementary entry of Joel Stakes winner Prague.
In the Long Distance Cup (1.20), star stayer Kyprios aims to conclude a perfect season and avenge his narrow defeat in last year's contest. The Aidan O'Brien-trained 6YO has been imperious since, winning all six starts including a second Prix du Cadran.
The Group Two contest could see up to 13 runners, with Doncaster Cup winner Sweet William and progressive Al Nayyir among the challengers.
The British Champions Sprint (1.55) features 22 potential runners, headed by Kinross as he bids for a second victory in the race. Betfair Sprint Cup hero Montassib looms as a formidable opponent.
Rounding out the card, Juddmonte's highly progressive Kalpana features among 19 contenders for the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, promising a fitting finale to a day of top-class racing action.