Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 2) (British Champions Series)

In the Long Distance Cup at Ascot’s Champions Day, two horses separated from the field early on, with the eventual winner staging a surprising comeback in the straight, overturning the favorite’s assumed control. The race was a challenging test at the distance, but the form may not be overly significant due to some horses not performing at their best.

TRAWLERMAN (121), third in the previous year’s race, won impressively despite lower-level victories leading up to the race. Jockey Frankie Dettori’s strategic riding allowed TRAWLERMAN to build a significant lead before rallying in the final furlong. This horse has shown improvement with age.

Kyprios (121), a standout stayer in 2022, made a strong comeback after a subpar performance at the Irish St Leger. The lack of top-level racing likely impacted his performance, but he could return as a leading stayer in 2024.

Sweet William (105) showed progress throughout the season, but he needs further development to establish himself as a top-tier Cup horse.

Trueshan (104), aiming for a fourth straight win in the race, appeared to be declining, with his recent wins not matching his best form.

Coltrane (98) struggled on unsuitable ground at the end of a long season, while Stratum performed poorly throughout the race.

In summary, the Long Distance Cup featured a surprising winner in TRAWLERMAN, tactical brilliance by jockey Frankie Dettori, and potential comebacks from Kyprios and Sweet William. Trueshan’s decline and the struggles of Coltrane and Stratum were also notable.

Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

ART POWER, (119) previously not very successful in Group 1 races, secured victory. He had struggled this year but had a decent record in lower-level Group races. The ground favoured his style, and he maintained his speed effectively, indicating a gelding operation last winter has potentially extended his racing career.

Kinross,(118) last year’s winner, made a strong challenge but couldn’t sustain it, likely due to the ground favouring speed.

Spycatcher (112) faced traffic and ended up third, performing well considering the circumstances.

Swingalong (108) continued her good form from the Sprint Cup at Haydock with a solid run.

Run To Freedom,(99) the previous year’s second-place finisher, had an average performance this time.

Makarova (96) did reasonably despite her preference for shorter distances and some headstrong behavior.

Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

Poptronic, (113) previously unsuccessful in Group 1 races, showed versatility in ground conditions to secure an upset win, displaying a strong attitude to hold off market leaders. This victory is likely to be her last before retirement.

Bluestocking,(113) fitted with cheekpieces, narrowly missed winning for the fourth time this season. She finished well from off the pace but couldn’t quite catch the leaders. Her only victory came as a 2-year-old at Salisbury.

Jackie Oh,(112) just denied in the Prix de l’Opera, handled the longer trip well and might progress further if kept in training despite not winning above Group 3 level.

Above The Curve,(111) consistent and tough, wore cheekpieces but was overtaken for second, with her rider focusing on keeping another horse boxed in.

Free Wind, (109) a four-time Group winner, didn’t appear likely to win and was possibly in her last race after recent struggles.

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By Qipco) (Group 1) (British Champions Mile)

Big Rock (131) delivered a standout performance, showcasing his strong form in France, including a significant win over Horizon Dore and a second-place finish in the French Derby. The testing conditions suited him well, with many of his rivals struggling.

Facteur Cheval,(117) previously second in the Sussex Stakes, added substance to the race by finishing second.

Tahiyra (114) showed promise but couldn’t sustain her bid on the challenging ground, and her suitability for the Breeders’ Cup is now in question.

Checkandchallenge (96) finished well in terms of position but was significantly beaten.

Rogue Millennium, (88) who had previously been second to Tahiyra, couldn’t mount a strong challenge.

Nashwa (70) didn’t perform well, possibly due to fatigue from a busy season. Trainer Thady Gosden suggested she prefers less testing conditions.

Paddington,(50) a winner of the Sussex Stakes on even heavier ground, struggled to settle early and had nothing left in the latter part of the race.

Qipco Champion Stakes (British Champions Middle Distance) (Group 1)

King of Steel, (125) previously second in the Derby and third in the King George, demonstrated his stamina in a race that suited him, wearing down his rivals under a well-judged ride by Dettori. This may not be the end of his potential, but he needs to pass a stalls test before racing again.

Via Sistina, (121) winner of the Pretty Polly and narrowly defeated in the Prix Jean Romanet, excels on testing ground but drifted right after losing the whip, missing a significant opportunity.

Horizon Dore, (120) winner of his last four races, including the Prix Dollar, had his finishing speed blunted by the ground and couldn’t maintain his strong form. However, there’s potential for a Group 1 win in the future.

Point Lonsdale (120) lacked early pace but rallied to narrowly miss third, showing some potential.

Royal Rhyme, (116)progressing from handicaps to a Listed win at Ayr, couldn’t make the leap to Group 1 level, racing keenly and fading late.

Dubai Honour, (112) not fully wound up and off since the Eclipse, ran okay but is not a Group 1 contender in these conditions.

My Prospero, (111) last year’s third, didn’t show expected progress as a 4-year-old and was easily outperformed.

Bay Bridge, (110) last year’s winner, raced keenly and wasn’t at his best, possibly due to a recent race and feeling flat according to the rider.