Paddington and Facteur Cheval may battle out again in Queen Elizabeth II

A rematch between Paddington and Facteur Cheval, who fought out the Qatar Sussex Stakes finish at Goodwood last week, is on the cards as the pair head the 28-strong entry for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO).

Paddington, rated the best three-year-old in the most recent Longines World rankings, was making it six races unbeaten this year at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, with the last four of those wins Group 1s. He has also been given the QIPCO Champion Stakes entry ahead of a possible next run in the Juddmonte International at York.

Rematch on the cards?

Facteur Cheval is firmly on course for the race though after being unlucky in running at Goodwood. The four-year-old was forced to switch onto the slower midtrack as his younger rival held the favoured stands’ rail position. Connections are hoping to reverse placings at Ascot.

Trainer Jerome Reynier, searching for a first winner in Great Britain, said: “The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) was always going to be his next and last race of the year. It is his main aim as he goes on all types of ground  and is getting bigger and stronger all the time.”

Reynier, who trains in his home city of Marseille in the south of France, is a rare visitor but went close to QIPCO British Champions Day success when Skalleti was second to Addeybb in the 2020 QIPCO Champion Stakes. Skalleti once again has an entry in this year’s QIPCO Champion Stakes.

France is also represented by Big Rocks, runner-up in the French Derby for trainer Christopher Head, who is searching for his first winner in Britain.

Triple Time, who gained his first Group 1 honours in another QIPCO British Champions Series race with an upset in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, is also entered with eyes on the prize.

Trainer Kevin Ryan said: “He’s been in great from since Ascot. That was his first run of the year and he’s bound to improve for it – it has taken the freshness out of him. 

“He likes Ascot and he will be perfectly at ease on good to soft ground. We didn’t think Goodwood would suit him so didn’t go for the Sussex. He goes to Deauville for the Jacques Le Marois next.”

Classic winner Chaldean is another contender, looking to restore his reputation after disappointing in France in July.

The QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner was no match for Paddington in the St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot after his Newmarket triumph but has enjoyed a midsummer break back at his owner’s Banstead Manor Stud.

Trainer Andrew Balding said: “He has enjoyed a break since France and came back at the weekend. Hopefully the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) is the aim. It’s how we get there is yet to be decided.”

Tahiyra, the Coronation Stakes and Irish 1,000 Guineas winner, has been entered by Dermot Weld along with Homeless Songs, winner of last year’s Irish 1,000 Guineas. Nashwa, third in the Qatar Sussex Stakes after her hugely impressive Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes success, is another leading filly with a double entry, also in the QIPCO Champions Stakes.

El Drama and three-time Group 1 winner Inspiral, fifth and sixth in the race last year, are entered again with El Drama having moved to trainer Karl Burke last month from Roger Varian.