Opinion Poll up for the Cup

Opinion Poll made Frankie jump for joy after the Lonsdale Cup and we could witness more of the same after the opening race on QIPCO British Champions Day.  Image courtesy of racingfotos.com

The Godolphin-owned Opinion Poll is one of 13 horses confirmed for the £200,000 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup over two miles at 1.50pm, which opens the spectacular climax to the QIPCO British Champions Series at Ascot on Saturday.

He has won two races in the Long Distance division – the Artemis Goodwood Cup and the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup – while he finished second in two others, the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot (behind Fame And Glory) and the Stobart Doncaster Cup (behind Saddler’s Rock).

Saddler’s Rock was expected to be added to the entries today, but that did not materialise. Fame And Glory has been confirmed, however, and looks to be one Opinion Poll’s biggest dangers.

The big question is whether Aidan O’Brien’s charge can rediscover the form which saw him surge clear at the end of the two-and-a-half mile Gold Cup – his recent starts have been unquestionably disappointing.

Times Up and Meeznah, both impressive winners on their most recent starts, look very dangerous opponents, while the scintillating form of Mark Johnston’s stable means that Colour Vision and Eternal Heart cannot be overlooked.

John Gosden, who will saddle Nehaam in the race, said today: “People enjoy watching these long races. It sets up the day nicely. We don’t want the first race to be a sprint that is over in a flash.

“The entries look to have good strength in depth. We run Nehaam and it would be lovely if he could get a place. He has won at Ascot before and is a grand horse. He is in good nick.”

Simon Crisford, Godolphin’s racing manager, said: "Opinion Poll is in tremendous form and has been very, very consistent throughout the whole year, including when he was racing in Dubai .

"He is thoroughly honest and we are very happy with him. Looking at the entries, I would say he could win the race.

"He appreciates a little bit of cut in the ground but ironically some of his best form this year has been on a quick surface, so I don’t think the ground is going to be too much of an issue.

"Cavalryman and Darley Sun are possible runners too. Cavalryman has been running over a mile and a half but he hasn’t been winning against very high quality middle distance horses, so possibly we will give him a chance over a longer trip."

To view the full race details and entries, CLICK HERE.