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| Staff Writer |
As the flat racing season reaches its climax, Ascot prepares to host the prestigious QIPCO British Champions Day. With over 120 horses confirmed for Saturday's card, anticipation is building for an electrifying day of top-class racing. Let's delve into the five Group races that promise to captivate audiences and crown this year's champions.
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The Gr.2 Long Distance Cup sets the stage for what could be another masterclass from Aidan O'Brien's prolific star, Kyprios. With eight Group One victories under his belt, this stayer extraordinaire looks to cap off a flawless campaign. However, the quick turnaround from his Prix du Cadran triumph might test his resilience.
O'Brien's hand is further strengthened with Continuous, Grosvenor Square, Illinois, The Euphrates, and Point Lonsdale all in contention. John and Thady Gosden's Sweet William, third in last year's renewal, returns in fine form but may find Kyprios a tough nut to crack once again.
Previous winners of this race include Trueshan, who claimed back-to-back victories in 2021 and 2022, showcasing his exceptional stamina and class.
The Gr.1 Sprint Stakes sees defending champion Art Power attempting to buck historical trends, as no horse has managed consecutive wins in this contest since the late 1950s. Kinross, victorious in 2022 and narrowly denied last year, returns in good form despite a recent defeat by Ramatuelle in the Prix de la Foret.
Keep an eye on Beauvatier, who caught attention with a flying finish in the Foret. Montassib's transformation into a top sprinter adds intrigue, while Mill Stream aims to emulate Muhaarar's 2015 July Cup and Champions Sprint double.
Notable past winners include the likes of Muhaarar (2015) and Creative Force (2021), both of whom used this race to cement their status as top-class sprinters.
The Gr.1 Fillies & Mares Stakes presents an intriguing clash between emerging talents and established performers. Kalpana heads the market following impressive victories, but faces a significant step up in class.
Content, runner-up in the Irish Oaks and winner of the Yorkshire Oaks, looks to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Prix de L'Opera. Aidan O'Brien's Wingspan, out of 2017 winner Hydrangea, could be the dark horse over this trip.
This race has a history of producing top-class performers, with past winners like Hydrangea (2017) and Magical (2018) going on to achieve further Group One success.
The Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes promises a thrilling showdown between this season's standout miler Charyn and the progressive filly Tamfana. Roger Varian's Charyn has been a revelation, notching up victories in the Queen Anne and Jacques le Marois.
Inspiral, a six-time Group One winner, seeks redemption after failing to fire in the Sun Chariot. The supplemented Prague adds intrigue following his impressive Joel Stakes triumph.
This race has a rich history of crowning champion milers, with past winners including the legendary Frankel (2011) and the brilliant Baaeed (2021).
The Gr.1 Champion Stakes takes centre stage as the day's highlight, featuring a mouth-watering clash between Calandagan, Economics, and Los Angeles. This France vs England vs Ireland battle promises to be one for the ages.
Calandagan, impressive when second to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International, leads the French charge. Economics enters in top form after fending off Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes, while Los Angeles brings classic-winning credentials to the table.
The Champion Stakes has a storied history of international success, with French raiders Cirrus Des Aigles (2011), Almanzor (2016), and Sealiway (2021) all etching their names on the trophy.
As Ascot prepares to crown this season's champions, racing fans can look forward to a day of unparalleled quality and excitement. With each race promising fierce competition and potential for upset, Champions Day 2024 is set to be a fitting finale to the flat racing calendar.