Ascot 2.05: Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes – Pre-Race Analysis

1.0 Introduction: Setting the Stage for a Group 1 Sprint Showdown

The Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes represents a pinnacle of the European flat racing season, a definitive test of speed and class for the continent’s finest sprinters. This prestigious Group 1 contest, run over the straight six furlongs of Ascot Racecourse, is open to all thoroughbreds aged three and older, consistently attracting a field of established champions and emerging talents. This analysis will deconstruct the form, course suitability, and ultimate chances of the key runners declared for this high-stakes encounter. By examining recent performances, running styles, and key connections, a comprehensive outlook of the race will be formed.

We begin with a detailed examination of the leading contenders, whose proven credentials at the highest level set the standard for the rest of the field.

2.0 The Main Protagonists: Proven at the Highest Level

This section is dedicated to the runners who have already demonstrated their quality with winning or placed performances in Group 1 company. Their proven ability to compete and succeed against elite opposition marks them as the standard-bearers in this contest and, based on form, the most probable winners.

• 2.1 Big Mojo

• Arriving at the peak of his powers, Big Mojo established his top-tier credentials with a commanding victory in the Haydock Sprint Cup over 6 furlongs on good ground, earning a strong Racing Post Rating (RPR) of 121. His running style in that contest, where he was prominent before leading over a furlong out and “ran on well,” suggests a blend of tactical speed and stamina that is ideal for this test. He has winning form at Ascot, having landed a Group 3 over this distance, but his record is tempered by a less impressive 7th place finish in a Group 1 here. Trainer comments suggest he is in prime condition, with a potential trip to the Breeders’ Cup on the horizon, indicating that connections believe he is ready for the world’s biggest challenges.

    ◦ Strengths:

        ▪ He is a last-time-out Group 1 winner, bringing current top-class form to the race.

        ▪ He is a proven specialist at the 6-furlong distance, with two wins from six starts.

        ▪ He has previous winning form at Ascot.

    ◦ Concerns:

        ▪ His record at Ascot is mixed; a 7th place finish in a Group 1 suggests the track may not be his absolute optimum venue.

• 2.2 Kind Of Blue

• A formidable contender, Kind Of Blue has the significant advantage of having won this exact race last year, demonstrating a clear affinity for the course, distance, and the likely soft ground conditions. He confirmed his well-being with an excellent recent performance at Haydock, finishing a strong second to Big Mojo where he “ran on and went second final stride” to achieve an RPR of 117, a run that can be upgraded after he was hampered 2f out. Jockey James Doyle has noted his progressive nature, while trainer James Fanshawe has highlighted his love for Ascot. This combination of proven course form and current well-being makes him a major threat to repeat his success.

    ◦ Strengths:

        ▪ He is the previous year’s race winner, making him the proven standard-bearer.

        ▪ He is highly effective on soft ground, with one win from his only start on such a surface.

        ▪ His course record at Ascot is excellent, with one win from two starts.

    ◦ Concerns:

        ▪ An inexplicably poor 8th place run at Newcastle on a standard surface earlier in the season, for which the trainer could offer no explanation, hints at a degree of vulnerability.

• 2.3 Lazzat

• The French challenger Lazzat brings a profile of raw, front-running brilliance. His standout performance came in June with a decisive Group 1 victory over this precise course and distance on good-to-firm ground, where he “made all” to record an impressive RPR of 123. While his subsequent defeats at Deauville and Haydock raise questions, his trainer noted that the Haydock track was “too sharp” for him, suggesting a return to Ascot could see him bounce back to his best. He possesses a peak RPR of 135, the highest in the field, and his demolition of a Listed field at Chantilly by over five lengths registered an RPR of 125, showcasing his class. He is a top-class sprinter who is particularly dangerous when allowed to dominate.

    ◦ Strengths:

        ▪ He is a Group 1 winner over this exact course and distance.

        ▪ He possesses a peak RPR of 135, the highest figure amongst the main contenders.

        ▪ He is versatile regarding ground conditions, with wins on heavy, good-to-soft, and good-to-firm surfaces.

    ◦ Concerns:

        ▪ His most recent run saw him finish 5th at Haydock as the odds-on favourite, suggesting either a dip in form or a specific requirement for his ideal race setup to be effective.

• 2.4 Montassib

• Montassib is a horse who has thrived since dropping back to the 6-furlong trip, culminating in a tenacious Group 1 victory at Haydock where he “just did enough” to defeat Kind Of Blue, earning an RPR of 119. His effectiveness is amplified by his hold-up running style; he is often held up in the rear before being produced with a “good late run from off the pace,” a tactic that could be highly effective in a strongly-run, big-field sprint. His trainer has explicitly stated that the “Champions Sprint was always the race I was looking forward to,” and his preference for softer ground is a significant asset.

    ◦ Strengths:

        ▪ He enters the race as a last-time-out Group 1 winner.

        ▪ He boasts an exceptional record at this distance, with five wins from eight starts.

        ▪ He is particularly effective on soft ground, with three wins from four starts.

    ◦ Concerns:

        ▪ His course record at Ascot is a significant red flag, with zero wins from five starts, suggesting the track may not suit his running style.

These established Group 1 performers set a high bar, but they will face a stern challenge from a group of specialists and in-form horses with legitimate claims.

3.0 Solid Contenders: Specialists and Form Horses

While perhaps lacking the recent Group 1 winning form of the protagonists, the horses in this section possess targeted strengths—such as course mastery or tactical advantages—that make them dangerous. Whether through course specialisation, high-class collateral form, or raw ability, each has the potential to upset the established order.

• 3.1 Art Power

• The veteran Art Power is a formidable course specialist with an outstanding record at Ascot. The 8-year-old demonstrated his current well-being with a determined Group 3 win at the Curragh on his latest start, where he “made virtually all.” A third victory in that specific Curragh Group 3, having also won it in 2021 and 2022, speaks volumes of his class and durability. As a previous winner of this race in 2023, and with a total of four group race wins at this track, his affinity for the venue is undeniable. His front-running style and liking for soft ground (6 wins from 10 starts on Soft/Heavy) make him a dangerous opponent to overlook.

    ◦ Strengths:

        ▪ Proven course and distance form, including a victory in this race in 2023.

        ▪ A distinct preference for soft ground, making him a major player if conditions are testing.

        ▪ His front-running tactics can be a significant advantage on Ascot’s straight course.

    ◦ Concerns:

        ▪ At eight years of age, he may be more vulnerable than his younger rivals.

        ▪ In his last two Group 1 appearances, he has “weakened from 2f out” over 6f here and “weakened final furlong” over a sharper 5f trip at the Curragh, suggesting he may struggle against the very best at this level.

• 3.2 Flora Of Bermuda

• Flora Of Bermuda profiles as a highly consistent and talented filly who has been unlucky not to have more wins at the top level. Her recent form is excellent, including a third-place finish in this race last year and a game third in the recent Haydock Group 1, where she recorded an RPR of 114. Her race comments are frequently littered with tales of misfortune, such as being “denied a clear run” and “hampered 2f out,” which suggests her raw ability may be even greater than her form figures. With a peak RPR of 129, she is a reliable performer who is almost certain to be competitive.

    ◦ Strengths:

        ▪ She is exceptionally consistent, having placed in 7 of her 17 career starts.

        ▪ She is a proven performer in Group 1 races over this course and distance.

    ◦ Concerns:

        ▪ Her career record of 2 wins from 17 starts suggests she is more likely to secure a place than a victory.

        ▪ Her running style appears to make her susceptible to finding trouble in running in large fields.

• 3.3 Inisherin

• The enigmatic Inisherin possesses arguably the highest ceiling of any horse in the race, exemplified by his dominant Group 1 victory in the Commonwealth Cup over this course and distance. However, this brilliant performance is contrasted by several less impressive runs, leading to an “in-and-out profile.” Despite this inconsistency, his trainer’s belief that “he is just going to get quicker and better at this job” points to a vast, untapped potential. If he brings his A-game, he has the proven ability to beat a field of this calibre over this track and trip.

    ◦ Strengths:

        ▪ He is a Group 1 winner over the exact course and distance.

        ▪ He has proven form on Good to Firm ground, with two wins from four starts.

        ▪ As a 4-year-old, he retains significant potential for further improvement.

    ◦ Concerns:

        ▪ He is notably inconsistent, with a 7th at Ascot in June and a 13th at Haydock in September highlighting his capacity to run well below his best form.

From these solid contenders, we now turn our attention to those with an outside chance of making an impact.

4.0 The Outsiders: Horses with a Point to Prove

The runners in this section may be overlooked in the market but possess specific pieces of form, progressive profiles, or conditional advantages that could see them outperform expectations. While they face a tough task, they have the potential to challenge for a place on the podium.

• 4.1 No Half Measures

• No Half Measures presents as a potential surprise package, having already proven she can win at the highest level. Her defining moment came in the Group 1 at Newmarket in July, where she caused a 66/1 shock over 6 furlongs. Her trainer has spoken of her continuous improvement, suggesting she is still on an upward curve. This high point was followed by a less inspiring 9th place at Haydock, where she was hampered. She must now prove her Group 1 victory was not a one-off, but she has demonstrated the raw ability required to compete.

• 4.2 King Cuan

• Characterised as a progressive horse on an upward trajectory, King Cuan appears better than his recent form figures suggest. In his last race, he was a very unlucky second to the seasoned Art Power at the Curragh. The race notes state he “just failed” after being “held up in rear” and “waiting for room.” The NOTE-BOOK entry adds further context: “His rider should probably have gone through a gap earlier than he did as well, and that split-second decision might have cost him the race.” This indicates that with a clearer passage, he may well have won.

• 4.3 The Rest of the Field

• Beyond the main contenders, several others face a significant challenge. Run To Freedom has placed in Group 1s, including this race, but his recent form appears to have dipped. Quinault is a specialist front-runner who often “took keen hold,” which may leave him vulnerable against this class of opposition over a stiff 6 furlongs. Iberian retains potential as a sprinter but has been inconsistent since his juvenile campaign. Based on the available data, these runners and the remainder of the field face a formidable task to feature against the main protagonists.

Having dissected the field, we can now synthesize the analysis into a final race outlook.

5.0 Synthesis and Race Outlook

The Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes is shaping up to be a fascinating contest, centered on a clash between proven Group 1 winners and a cohort of course specialists and unlucky losers. The Haydock Sprint Cup from early September offers the most compelling recent form line, with Big Mojo getting the better of four of today’s key rivals. However, both Kind Of Blue and Flora Of Bermuda encountered significant trouble in running that day, suggesting they could close the gap with a clearer passage. The core battle appears to be between the recent Haydock winners, Big Mojo and Montassib, last year’s race winner Kind Of Blue, and the brilliant course and distance winner Lazzat.

Top Contender Comparison

Factor	Big Mojo	Kind Of Blue	Lazzat	Montassib
Best RPR	131	131	135	129
C&D Form	1 win from 2 starts	1 win from 2 starts	1 win from 1 start	0 wins from 5 starts
Ground Pref.	Good / Good to Firm	Soft / Good to Firm	Versatile	Soft

The race dynamic is likely to be dictated by the presence of confirmed front-runners. Both Art Power and Lazzat favour making the running, and they could be joined by the often free-going Quinault, ensuring a strong and honest pace from the outset. This could set the race up perfectly for a hold-up performer. A horse like Montassib, who is typically held up in the rear before launching a late challenge, could be the primary beneficiary of a fast-run race, provided he can overcome his poor record at the track.

In conclusion, this renewal appears to revolve around a select group of high-class sprinters, each with a compelling case. The recent Group 1 form of Big Mojo and Montassib is difficult to ignore, while the course-and-distance credentials of Kind Of Blue and Lazzat are equally persuasive. However, the competitive nature of this championship event, combined with the unique demands of Ascot and the likely race-day conditions, could easily pave the way for a horse with strong course form like Art Power or an improving profile to make a significant and decisive impact.