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Champion Stakes - Form Comments

14/10/2016

G1 – 2000m – Turf

1

Fascinating Rock

Sat chilly off a ferocious pace in this event last year, surging through late to see off Found, Jack Hobbs and ten others. Just three starts this season include a G1 victory back in May with this contest again being his major target. Slow ground will give him a sporting chance of a repeat success in this prestigious affair.

2

Gabrial

At huge odds he finished third in the QEII Stakes (1600m) on this day last year. He has already raced 11 times with just one win this year, and it will again be a big surprise if he manages to get into the places.

3

Jack Hobbs

Has not been seen since failing to finish in a G2 at Newmarket in April but his astute trainer John Gosden insists that the six month break has done him good and points out that his sire's progeny improve with age. A G1 winner and second in the Derby at Epsom in 2015 - both over 2400m - but very capable over this shorter journey.

4

Maverick Wave

A six-times winner, once at G3 level. However his current rating suggests he will be nowhere near good enough and his job looks to be as pacemaker.

5

My Dream Boat

Some terrific performances include a fast-finishing defeat of this month's Arc winner Found over this course and distance at Royal Ascot in June. He has since run two respectable races in G1 company without managing the same finishing kick.

6

Racing History

Hasn't been seen since finishing a very good fourth in this event last year, a career best performance. Obviously the lay-off is a worry but his brother - who won this event in 2013 - improved with age.

7

The Grey Gatsby

Twice a G1 winner but he seems well below his best right now and trailed in last in the Arc at Chantilly earlier this month. Slow ground would also be against him.

8

Found

Enhanced her already remarkable record with that scintillating victory in the Arc (2400m) at Chantilly. Unlike in the previous year's race at Longchamp she enjoyed a clean run and had Europe's richest race sewn up 200m from the end. She's so tough that she should be OK for another October 2016 G1 challenge.

9

Almanzor

His victory over subsequent Arc winner Found and 10 other classy rivals in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) at Leopardstown last month was arguably the best middle distance performance seen in Europe in 2016. Earlier the winner of the French Derby at Chantilly in June, he has become famous for a stunning finishing kick. Big chance especially on good ground or slower.

10

Midterm

Has raced only four times, but big things were expected after a G3 victory at Sandown in April. Various issues since have curtailed his 2016 career but he did return to run a close second in a G2 at Chantilly in September, the third horse boosting the form with a subsequent G2 victory over Arc weekend.

11

US Army Ranger

Had a massive reputation at his top stable at the beginning of this season and partially justified that when second in the G1 Epsom Derby over 2409m in June. However he's been a beaten favourite in two G3's since and looks vulnerable.

 

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