Ascot Contenders: A Newcomer’s Guide to the Runners

Introduction: Understanding the Field

Welcome to your guide to the key contenders for the upcoming Group 1 race at Ascot. Whether you’re new to horse racing or just want a quick overview of the field, this document is designed to help. We’ll break down the background, performance, and key statistics for each of the main runners, giving you the insight you need to follow the action like a seasoned pro.

How to Read the Cards

Each horse has its own profile card, broken down into four simple sections to give you a complete picture:

• At a Glance: A quick summary of the horse’s essential details, like their age, trainer, and owner.

• The Story So Far: A brief narrative explaining the horse’s recent form, reputation, and what the experts are saying.

• What the Numbers Say: Key statistics distilled into plain language, focusing on performance factors like race distance and ground conditions.

• Recent Results: A log of their last three races, showing where they ran and how they finished.

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1. Almaqam

1.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	4-year-old
Sex & Color	Bay Colt
Sire	Lope De Vega
Dam	Talmada
Trainer	Ed Walker
Jockey	Kieran Shoemark
Owner	Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum

1.2. The Story So Far

Almaqam is a horse held in very high regard by his trainer, Ed Walker, who has never hidden how much he thinks of him. His performance is heavily influenced by the ground condition; he is a large, heavy horse who performs best with some “cut,” or softness, in the ground. While he can handle good ground, as shown by his solid win at Sandown where he led from start to finish (a tactic known as ‘making all’), his team believes he is at his best when the turf is softer.

1.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Distance	His most common race distance is 1 mile and 2 furlongs (1m 2f), where he has 1 win and 2 places from 5 starts. This experience shows he is comfortable with the demands of this specific trip.
Ground Condition	He has secured two wins on ‘Good’ ground, but his trainer firmly believes he is better on softer turf, where he can “let himself down properly.” This means his chances improve significantly if rain is forecast on race day.

1.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
07 Sep 25	Longchamp, 1m 4f (Gp2)	3rd of 9. Prominent, but had no extra in the final 110yds.
26 Jul 25	York, 1m 2½f (Gp2)	2nd of 7. Kept on, but was no match for the winner.
29 May 25	Sandown, 1m 2f (Gp3)	1st of 7. Made all and kept on well to win.

From a horse who appreciates softer ground, we now turn to Almeric, a colt whose best form has also come with some give in the turf.

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2. Almeric

2.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	3-year-old
Sex & Color	Grey Colt
Sire	Study Of Man
Dam	Alvarita
Trainer	Andrew Balding
Jockey	Oisin Murphy
Owner	Miss K Rausing

2.2. The Story So Far

Almeric is an unexposed and promising colt with an impressive recent record, having won three of his four career starts. His trainer, Andrew Balding, considers him a “smart horse” with high potential and has ambitious plans for him, including a potential run in the prestigious French Derby. After a break, he returned to win his latest race at Ayr, confirming his ability and suggesting he is ready to step up and compete in top-tier Group company.

2.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Record	He has an excellent win rate, with 3 wins from 4 lifetime starts. A lightly raced profile with this level of success often signals a horse with untapped potential.
Ground Condition	All three of his wins have come on ‘Soft’ or ‘Good to Soft’ ground. This strong form on yielding turf suggests he is a major contender if conditions are wet.

2.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
20 Sep 25	Ayr, 1m 2f (Listed)	1st of 6. Switched right to make a challenge and kept on well.
15 Apr 25	Newmarket, 1m 1f (Listed)	1st of 8. Led late and kept on well towards the finish.
12 Oct 24	York, 1m (Maiden)	1st of 7. Led and sustained a duel with the runner-up, keeping on well.

From an unexposed domestic talent, we now turn to a proven international force in Calandagan, whose profile presents a different kind of challenge.

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3. Calandagan

3.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	4-year-old
Sex & Color	Bay Gelding
Sire	Gleneagles
Dam	Calayana
Trainer	F-H Graffard (FR)
Jockey	Mickael Barzalona
Owner	Aga Khan Studs SCEA

3.2. The Story So Far

Calandagan is a top-class international runner who has proven his quality with multiple Group 1 victories. He is known for his excellent turn of foot, especially on drying ground, which allows him to come from behind and accelerate powerfully in the final stretch. Although he can sometimes be a “naughty boy,” as his jockey notes, when he is focused, he is a fantastic horse. His trainer is confident in his ability, highlighting his impressive wins at Ascot and Saint-Cloud as proof of his class.

3.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Record	A highly consistent performer, he has 6 wins and 6 places from 12 career starts. This remarkable 100% record of finishing in the top three shows he is a reliable competitor at the highest level.
Ground Condition	He is very versatile, with wins on ground ranging from ‘Good to Firm’ all the way to ‘Heavy’. This versatility gives him a major advantage, as his chances won’t be diminished by unpredictable race-day weather.

3.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
26 Jul 25	Ascot, 1m 4f (Gp1)	1st of 5. Kept on well and led towards the finish.
29 Jun 25	Saint-Cloud, 1m 4f (Gp1)	1st of 5. Kicked clear of the field in the final 150 yards.
06 Jun 25	Epsom, 1m 4f (Gp1)	2nd of 7. Joined the leader but had no extra in the final strides.

While Calandagan brings international Group 1 form, our next contender, Delacroix, boasts a superb pedigree and has proven he can overcome adversity to win at the highest level.

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4. Delacroix

4.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	3-year-old
Sex & Color	Bay Colt
Sire	Dubawi
Dam	Tepin
Trainer	A P O’Brien (IRE)
Jockey	Not listed
Owner	Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor

4.2. The Story So Far

Delacroix is an “incredible horse,” according to his trainer Aidan O’Brien, with a powerful turn of foot. He proved his class with a stunning victory at Sandown, where he overcame a difficult trip—getting bumped, stumbling, and coming from last to first—to win a Group 1 race. Bred from the top-class sire Dubawi and champion mare Tepin, he possesses a high-quality pedigree to match his on-track talent. His peak form has come with some ease in the ground, and he is a major contender in any top-level race he enters.

4.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Distance	He excels at 1 mile and 2 furlongs (1m 2f), with 4 wins from 5 starts at the distance. This shows he is a true specialist at this race’s distance, a crucial factor for a championship event.
Race Record	He has a formidable career record, having won 6 of his 11 starts and placing in 4 others. Such a high win rate against top opposition marks him out as a truly elite competitor.

4.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
13 Sep 25	Leopardstown, 1m 2f (Gp1)	1st of 8. Led 2f out and kept on well to the line.
20 Aug 25	York, 1m 2½f (Gp1)	2nd of 6. No chance with the winner, but took second late on.
05 Jul 25	Sandown, 1m 2f (Gp1)	1st of 6. Ran on well to lead in the final strides after a troubled run.

Delacroix has shown consistent class, but our next runner, Devil’s Advocate, presents a more puzzling profile, mixing moments of ability with disappointing efforts.

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5. Devil’s Advocate

5.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	3-year-old
Sex & Color	Bay Gelding
Sire	Too Darn Hot
Dam	Precious Ramotswe
Trainer	John & Thady Gosden
Jockey	Robert Havlin
Owner	Godolphin

5.2. The Story So Far

Devil’s Advocate is a runner who seems to benefit from specific circumstances. After a few disappointing performances, he returned to form with a win at Doncaster on slower ground in his first race in handicap company, where horses carry different weights based on their past performances to create a more level playing field. His trainer noted that he appeared to benefit from the more galloping nature of the track. While he has shown flashes of ability, such as a fourth-place finish in the Dante Stakes, he has also dropped out tamely in other races, making his consistency a question mark.

5.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Distance	Both of his career wins have come over 1 mile and 2 furlongs (1m 2f). This indicates a clear preference for this trip, making him a distance specialist, albeit at a lower level so far.
Ground Condition	His recent return to form came on ‘Good to Soft’ ground, suggesting he may prefer slower conditions. For a horse with questions to answer, having his ideal ground could be the key to a big performance.

5.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
11 Sep 25	Doncaster, 1m 2f (Handicap)	1st of 10. Led after 1f and was always doing enough to hold on.
23 Aug 25	Windsor, 1m 2f (Gp3)	4th of 5. Was prominent early, then weakened quickly.
18 Jun 25	Ascot, 1m 6f (Gp2)	13th of 13. Eased over 1f out; trainer said he failed to stay the distance.

From a horse whose form can be inconsistent, we now turn to Economics, a colt who, barring one mishap, has been a model of powerful progression.

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6. Economics

6.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	4-year-old
Sex & Color	Chestnut Colt
Sire	Night Of Thunder
Dam	La Pomme D’Amour
Trainer	William Haggas
Jockey	Tom Marquand
Owner	Isa Salman Al Khalifa

6.2. The Story So Far

Economics is considered a “pretty good horse” by his trainer, William Haggas, and has backed that up with a series of powerful performances, including an impressive Dante win at York and a hard-fought Group 1 victory at Leopardstown. A big, fine-looking colt, he has shown an excellent attitude and a strong finishing kick. His one disappointing run at Ascot was attributed to soft ground and a minor issue where he bled from the nose. Otherwise, he has been on a strong upward trajectory and looks like a top-level contender.

6.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Record	He has a strong record of 4 wins from 6 starts, showing a high level of ability and a winning habit. A horse that knows how to win is always a threat in a big race.
Ground Condition	His best form has been on ‘Good’ ground, where he is unbeaten with 3 wins from 3 starts. This makes him a horse to watch closely if the ground is firm, but a question mark if significant rain arrives.

6.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
19 Oct 24	Ascot, 1m 2f (Gp1)	6th of 11. Weakened inside the final furlong on soft ground.
14 Sep 24	Leopardstown, 1m 2f (Gp1)	1st of 8. Led late and kept on well for a tough victory.
15 Aug 24	Deauville, 1m 2f (Gp2)	1st of 7. Led in the final 110yds and kept on strongly.

Economics brings top-class domestic form, while our next contender, First Look, represents improving international talent who has thrived since a key procedural change.

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7. First Look

7.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	4-year-old
Sex & Color	Chestnut Gelding
Sire	Lope De Vega
Dam	Bilissie
Trainer	A Fabre (FR)
Jockey	James Doyle
Owner	Wathnan Racing

7.2. The Story So Far

First Look is a horse who has shown significant improvement since being gelded, a procedure that his owner’s representative believes has helped him concentrate. He comes into this race in excellent form, having won his last three starts. His legendary trainer, Andre Fabre, was confident heading into his last victory and suggested the horse could be supplemented for (added to) this prestigious race. He enters the autumn season as a fresh, unexposed contender, a dangerous profile at this time of year.

7.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Record	He is on a winning streak, having won his last 3 races in a row. A horse in peak form can often outrun expectations, making him a dangerous opponent to underestimate.
Ground Condition	He is effective on soft ground, with wins on ‘Soft’ and ‘Very Soft’ conditions. His trainer noted that rain before his last race “didn’t do any harm,” signaling that he will relish testing conditions.

7.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
04 Oct 25	Longchamp, 1m 2f (Gp2)	1st of 8. Led under 2f out and kept on well.
16 Aug 25	Deauville, 1m 2f (Gp3)	1st of 4. Rallied to regain the lead late in the race.
02 Aug 25	Clairefontaine, 1m 1f (Listed)	1st of 10. Made all the running and won readily.

First Look’s winning streak marks him as a horse in form, a trait he shares with Fox Legacy, who has transformed from a handicapper into a potential Group-level star.

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8. Fox Legacy

8.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	4-year-old
Sex & Color	Bay Gelding
Sire	Lope De Vega
Dam	Baldovina
Trainer	Andrew Balding
Jockey	P J McDonald
Owner	King Power Racing Co Ltd

8.2. The Story So Far

Fox Legacy is a “rapidly improving” gelding who has been in fantastic form since joining trainer Andrew Balding’s yard. He has won three of his last four starts, including two valuable and competitive Heritage Handicaps (prestigious and highly competitive handicap races with significant history and prize money), most notably the John Smith’s Cup at York. His impressive performances suggest he is a “Group winner in waiting.” A key advantage is his ability to handle all types of ground, making him a versatile and reliable contender.

8.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Recent Form	He is in career-best form, winning his last two races and 3 of his last 4 starts. This rapid progression suggests he may still have more improvement to come, even at this higher level.
Race Distance	He has shown a liking for this middle-distance range, with 2 wins over 1m 1f and 2 wins over 1m 2f. This proves he is well-suited to the distance and has the stamina required to be competitive.

8.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
01 Aug 25	Goodwood, 1m 1f (Cls2)	1st of 8. Led 2f out and went clear, winning impressively.
12 Jul 25	York, 1m 2½f (Handicap)	1st of 18. Led over 1f out and won comfortably in a large field.
18 Jun 25	Ascot, 1m (Handicap)	6th of 30. Raced prominently and kept on; was first in his group.

While Fox Legacy has earned his stripes in competitive handicaps, Mount Kilimanjaro brings a more classic profile as a well-bred colt from a top stable who has always been aimed at big targets.

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9. Mount Kilimanjaro

9.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	3-year-old
Sex & Color	Bay Colt
Sire	Siyouni
Dam	Decorating
Trainer	A P O’Brien (IRE)
Jockey	Not listed
Owner	Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

9.2. The Story So Far

Mount Kilimanjaro is a colt who relished the step up in distance when winning a competitive Listed race at Chester. In that race, he showed a great attitude, staying on strongly to get past the runner-up. His trainer, Aidan O’Brien, believes he could be a “French Derby horse.” His performances seem to be affected by the ground; he has run well on soft and heavy ground in the past, and his team thinks firmer conditions might not be ideal for him.

9.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Distance	He has 1 win from 2 starts over 1 mile and 2 furlongs (1m 2f). This suggests the distance suits him well, allowing him to use his stamina effectively.
Ground Condition	His best performances, including a runner-up finish in a Group 1 race, have come on ‘Soft’ and ‘Heavy’ ground. This makes him a specialist to watch closely when conditions are testing.

9.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
13 Sep 25	Leopardstown, 1m 2f (Gp1)	8th of 8. Led early, then wandered and weakened out of the race.
20 Aug 25	York, 1m 4f (Gp2)	6th of 7. Kept on but carried his head awkwardly.
08 May 25	Chester, 1m 2½f (Listed)	1st of 7. Edged left but led late and stayed on well to win.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a horse who appreciates testing conditions, which is in stark contrast to our next contender, Ombudsman, a specialist who thrives on a fast surface and has a devastating turn of foot.

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10. Ombudsman

10.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	4-year-old
Sex & Color	Bay Colt
Sire	Night Of Thunder
Dam	Syndicate
Trainer	John & Thady Gosden
Jockey	William Buick
Owner	Godolphin

10.2. The Story So Far

Ombudsman is described by his jockey William Buick as a “very, very special horse.” His record is exceptional, and he produced a top-class performance to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, overcoming significant trouble in the race to win impressively. He followed that with another commanding victory at York. His trainer, John Gosden, credits the owner’s patience for allowing the horse time to mature into a top performer. He thrives on a fast surface and has a potent turn of foot.

10.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Record	He boasts a stellar career record of 6 wins and 2 places from only 8 starts. This elite strike rate demonstrates his clear superiority in most of his races.
Race Distance	He is a specialist at this distance, with 5 wins and 2 places from 7 starts over 1 mile and 2 furlongs (1m 2f). Such dominance over a specific trip is the hallmark of a true champion.

10.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
20 Aug 25	York, 1m 2½f (Gp1)	1st of 6. Ridden to lead and went clear; an impressive performance.
05 Jul 25	Sandown, 1m 2f (Gp1)	2nd of 6. Ran on well but was headed in the final strides.
18 Jun 25	Ascot, 1m 2f (Gp1)	1st of 8. Switched left for a clear run and led late; won going away.

Ombudsman is a model of professionalism, which brings us to our final runner, Prague, a horse of immense talent who can sometimes be his own worst enemy.

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11. Prague

11.1. At a Glance

Detail	Information
Age	5-year-old
Sex & Color	Bay Horse
Sire	Galileo
Dam	Princess Noor
Trainer	Dylan Cunha
Jockey	Benoit De La Sayette
Owner	A Dal Pos, L Zanin, R Zanin

11.2. The Story So Far

Prague is a talented individual who can be his own worst enemy, often failing to settle in his races, which compromises his finishing effort. In his most recent start, his jockey reported that he “ran too free.” However, he has shown high-level ability, particularly on soft ground, as evidenced by his comfortable Group 2 win at Newmarket last year. His trainer believes he is competitive and may supplement him for major races if he shows he can handle testing ground effectively. He needs to mature and relax if he is to fulfil his potential.

11.3. What the Numbers Say

Factor	Key Insight
Race Distance	He has a Group 2 win over 1 mile on soft ground and also won his maiden race over 1m 2f, but his highest-rated performances have been at the shorter mile distance. This suggests he has the speed for a mile but the stamina for further if he can learn to settle.
Ground Condition	His most significant career victory came on ‘Soft’ ground, and his connections believe he is most effective on testing surfaces. If the ground is soft, his chances increase as it may blunt the speed of his rivals.

11.4. Recent Results

Date	Race	Result
26 Sep 25	Newmarket, 1m (Gp2)	4th of 6. Weakened in the final 110yds after running too keenly.
06 Sep 25	Haydock, 1m (Gp3)	5th of 9. Weakened inside the final furlong after a prominent run.
27 Jul 25	Pontefract, 1m (Listed)	5th of 6. Led for much of the race, then weakened late.

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12. Final Thoughts

This guide offers a snapshot of each contender’s story, strengths, and recent form based on the available data. Every horse brings a unique profile to the race, from the proven Group 1 champion to the rapidly improving handicapper. We hope this information helps you follow the race with greater confidence and enjoyment as you continue your journey into the exciting world of horse racing.