Equinties - champions day

Gm Equinauts

THE DENOUEMENT OF THE FLAT SEASON, CHAMPIONS DAY.

Let’s dive in.

HEADLINE ROUNDUP

THE GROUND

We have a nice early update from Ascot regarding today’s conditions, and they’re not as bad as people were expecting.

4.5mm of rain fell overnight, making both courses soft all over, a far cry from the predicted 10+mm that a few had suggested might hit.

The ground will dry up throughout the day as the sun is set to start hitting the track from 11am onwards, but it’s still a day for soft ground horses.

Don’t be surprised if the conditions get ‘sticky’ as the ground dries up.

FRENCH CHALLENGERS

The French team always have something to say on Champions Day. BIG ROCK the prime example, he ran away with the QEII last year, followed home by FACTEUR CHEVAL. Let’s look who has come over today.

Whatever you do before the Sprint starts, watch this replay of the Foret at Longchamp this year.

RAMATUELLE won it, KINROSS was second but keep an eye on BEAUVATIER. He had too much to do but the last sectionals were very smart. He is stalled next to Kinross today in 19. The uphill finish today could really play into his favour. A son of LOPE DE VEGA, he loves the mud flying!

In the Fillies and Mares race, QUANTANAMERA would cap off an exceptional year for her side Lope De Vega. Brought for €200,000 in Baden Baden yearling sales. She loves to get down and dirty in the mud. Winner on her last start in Group 2 company at Deauville, she beat the 110 rated Arrest by 4 lengths!

FACTEUR CHEVAL is back again in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The owner and trainer say he is in the best shape he’s ever been in. Quite a statement, considering he won the Dubai Turf this year. Most recently seen at Goodwood in the Sussex Stakes when he held on for 3rd. A liking for soft ground and a big danger

METROPOLITAN has been tested and targeted this race for the young trainer Mario Barrati. Winner of the French Guineas on soft ground, by ZARAK who is a son of DUBAWI so oft ground shouldn’t be a problem. Last seen chasing home CHARYN in the Jaques Le Marois.

In the Champions Stakes CALANDAGAN will be staying very yard, needing it almost so the switch of tracks could be a disadvantage. He was brilliant at Royal Ascot in the King Edward VII stakes posting some eye catching last 2 furlongs. Unfortunately he has been gelded so he couldn’t take his place in the Arc, but surely would have went off favourite and possibly would have won it.

IRESINE was a €6,000 yearling. He enjoys getting his toe in as he showed when winning the Prix Ganay last year, with Bay Bridge and Vadeni in behind. He won the Prix Foy last time out and could well put in a big performance and ruffle a few feathers.

So, they’re the can the Frenchies, can they dominate us on our home soil? Let’s dive in!

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