Superstars on course for #ChampionsDay!

Next stop, #ChampionsDay, for Golden Horn? Image copyright of Racingfotos.com.

After a thrilling weekend of action in Britain, Ireland and France – we get the lowdown on the racing stars that look to be destined for QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 17 October.

Jack Hobbs

Although he did not run over the weekend, trainer John Gosden indicated that Jack Hobbs’ next main target was likely to be the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot. In need of soft ground to be found at best effect, the Godolphin-owned three-year-old is an 8/1 chance for the Champions Day contest.

John Gosden confirms that the QIPCO Champion Stakes on #ChampionsDay is under serious consideration for JACK HOBBS. pic.twitter.com/kFtJFUhj00

— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) September 12, 2015

Golden Horn

After victory in the Irish Champion Stakes, connections did not rule out the possibility of swerving the Arc for the QIPCO Champion Stakes.

Owner Anthony Oppenheimer told the Press Association: “I think on better ground he’d be much better and I’m confident if we see good ground again, maybe in the Champion Stakes at Ascot, you will see what he’s like.”

Order of St George

CONFIRMED: Aidan O’Brien confirms that ORDER OF ST GEORGE is heading to #ChampionsDay! pic.twitter.com/UMOwQ3wz5R

— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) September 13, 2015

After a scintillating performance to win the Irish St Leger, Order of St George has been installed as the favourite for next season’s Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Immediately after the race, trainer Aidan O’Brien nominated the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup on Champions Day as his final target for the season.

O’Brien said: “We may have a look at the two-mile race at Ascot (QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup on October 17) with him.” 

Limato

Following a stunning performance at Doncaster over seven furlongs, Henry Candy’s exciting star demonstrated that he could very effective over a mile.

His trainer commented after the race to suggest he would have no qualms of stepping him up in trip, which could see him involved in a tasty battle against Solow for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – if he is supplemented.   

Pallasator

The Qatar Racing Limited-owned horse showed a touch of class to win the Doncaster Cup at Doncaster on Friday.

Despite being fidgety before the start, Pallasator cruised to an impressive victory on Town Moor. Following the contest Sheikh Fahad nominated the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup as the next target for the Sir Mark Prescott-trained six-year-old.

PALLASATOR is being primed for the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup on #ChampionsDay, according to @FahadAlthaniQR.

— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) September 11, 2015

Maarek

Winner of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes in 2012, Maarek has shown recently that he is still eager to finish first – despite narrowly missing out on victory in Ireland against Sole Power.

A bid to regain his Champions Day title now looks firmly on the cards, where he is likely to face Europe’s leading sprinter, Muhaarar.

Ribbons and Tapestry

The first and second in the Blandford Stakes, both Ribbons and Tapestry look as if Champions Day is firmly on the agenda.

Tapestry has entries in both the QIPCO Champion Stakes and the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, while Ribbons holds an entry for the feature race.

Could either of them upset the big guns on Saturday 17 October? 

Ervedya

This year’s Coronation Stakes heroine followed up her success at Royal Ascot with a narrow win in the Prix du Moulin, but could now be set to embark on a challenge to take down compatriot Solow in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Watch this space…

Pleascach

After a spirited effort in the Irish Champion Stakes, Jim Bolger’s Darley Yorkshire Oaks heroine looks to have the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes on the agenda.

Jim Bolger said: "Pleascach is very well. It shouldn’t be too long until she’s seen again."

"We’re thinking of the Prix de l’Opera at the moment and maybe back to Ascot after that. If it were not to be the Prix de l’Opera, we’ll go straight to Ascot."

To book your place at QIPCO British Champions Day 2015, head to the ticketing website.