Series stars finding it hard to cling on to crowns

The Tin Man is set to try and win successive renewals of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Will there be a back-to-back winner at QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on October 21?

Sheikhzayedroad (Long Distance Cup), The Tin Man (Sprint), Journey (Fillies & Mares) and Almanzor (QIPCO Champion Stakes) could all be back to defend their crowns, but the omens for the quartet are not good.

Six horses have attempted back-to-back wins in the Series this season and all have come up short, although four have finished runner-up.

Profitable finished second to Lady Aurelia in the King’s Stand Stakes having won the 5f sprint 12 months earlier, while two days later at the meeting Order Of St George lost his Gold Cup crown by a short head to Big Orange.

Then, in the Darley July Cup, Limato beat all bar Harry Angel when trying to become a rare dual winner. The sequence continued when Big Orange, attempting a third successive win in the Qatar Goodwood Cup, was overhauled late on by Stradivarius.

The other horses to have seen their crowns slip away have been Clever Cookie (sixth in the Betway Yorkshire Cup) and Highland Reel (fourth in the QIPCO-sponsored King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes).

Tickets are selling fast for Britain’s richest raceday, so be sure to secure your spot at Ascot on Saturday October 21.