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Champion Stakes - Form Comments

17/10/2014

G1 - 2000m – Turf

1

Al Kazeem

The highlight of his career came in the summer of 2013 when he recorded a string of victories including three at G1 level one of which was over this course and distance - his only previous visit to Ascot. However things became more difficult including an unsuccessful spell at stud. Last seen in this month's Arc at Longchamp when not disgraced, but questions to answer now especially if the ground is soft.

2

Cirrus Des Aigles

Despite his years he has looked as good as ever in 2014 with the first of his three G1 victories including the courageous defeat of dual Arc winner Treve. Despite faster than favourable ground and a long break (after which he's never been at his best) he finished first past the post in a G2 at Longchamp on 4th October but he bumped the second horse in the closing stages and was demoted to fifth. At his super best on softish ground.

3

Noble Mission

A brother to Frankel, arguably the world's greatest ever racehorse. Unlike Frankel, he took time to reach his peak which has happened this year as a five-year-old when he won two consecutive G1's, in Ireland and France. Has had a break since a narrow defeat in a German G1 in July. Likely soft ground would suit ideally.

4

Pether’s Moon

Supplemented into this race, he is a versatile with a high cruising speed though his last 13 starts have all come over longer distances than this so he could be vulnerable to speedier types at this exalted level. However he does come here in very good form, having won a G2 at Turkey in September and a G3 at Ascot this month. He needs to be delivered late as he can pull up when getting to the front.

5

Ruler Of The World

Top class though a bit hit and miss, the biggest hit coming when he won the 2013 Derby at Epsom. Some disappointments followed but he bounced back when winning a G2 Arc trial at Longchamp last month, much more positive tactics perhaps helping his revival. However he couldn't dominate in the Arc itself, eventually finishing a fair ninth, 5 ¾ lengths behind Treve.

6

Sheikhzayedroad

A former handicapper who has not only kept on improving but who consistently gives it his best shot. He also comes here in good form, winning a G2 on his penultimate start and then surprising the locals when this Newmarket-trained gelding won a G1 over 2400m at Woodbine, Canada. He's won on soft though his best numbers have come on good or faster.

7

Ayrad

Has only won a maiden which is not very encouraging. However he did post a career best when only just beaten in the tense finish to a Listed race at Newmarket (2400m) last time and he might have won that if he hadn't received a bump at a crucial stage. Nonetheless it would be a big shock if he was good enough to win this.

8

Free Eagle

Barely remembered after two runs in 2013 when he returned over a year later - last month - but the dogs were barking beforehand and the stunning performance in that G3 over 2000m at Leopardstown when he beat smart rivals by 7 lengths and upwards made him an obvious candidate for this target. And the dogs are still barking his name.

9

Western Hymn

A highly impressive winner of his first three starts and then fancied by some for the G1 Epsom Derby, but he disappointed with his jockey insisting that he didn't act on that unusual track. He then bounced back to win a G2 at Maisons-Laffitte on very soft ground two starts back, but another French raid more recently - when favourite - proved disappointing with no obvious excuses.

 

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