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Frankel, in what is expected to be the final start of his remarkable unbeaten career, Cirrus des Aigles and Nathaniel are all set to contest Europe's richest 10-furlong race, the Group 1, £1.3 million Champion Stakes at Ascot, which could make it one of the highest-rated races this century. German raider Pastorius was also confirmed Monday for Saturday's race and is set to take his chance for trainer Mario Hofer. The three-year-old has won twice at Group 1 level this year, taking the Deutches Derby over 12 furlongs and the 10-furlong Bayerisches Zuchtrennen. On his most recent start, the Solder Hollow colt recorded a comfortable Group 3 victory over 10 furlongs at Hoppegarten on October 3. "Pastorius is coming over for the Champion Stakes," Hofer said Monday. "He is in very good condition and everything is fine with him. I have seen that the weather forecast is for a little bit of rain and he loves soft ground. "Frankel is in another world compared to our horse and I would be delighted if we made the first three. I am very happy with Pastorius and, without risk, there is no reward." |
A total of eight horses go forward in the Champion with the confirmations also including Aidan O'Brien's progressive performer Declaration of War and the French-trained filly Ridasiyna, impressive when taking the Group 1 Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp on October 7. Frankel's pacemaker Bullet Train and Master of Hounds complete the possible line up.
Meanwhile Excelebration, the second best miler behind Frankel this year, has his opportunity to win the biggest prize of his career in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
Group 1 winners Cityscape, Elusive Kate and Most Improved also feature among the 10 confirmations for the £1 million contest, Europe's most valuable mile race.
Her Majesty The Queen will be in attendance at Ascot on British Champions Day and is set to have a runner in the race named in her honor with Carlton House.
The four-year-old, who finished third in the 2011 Group 1 Epsom , has made three appearances so far this season. After making a successful return in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard at Sandown in May, the son of Street Cry chased home So You Think in the Group 1 Prince of Wales's at Royal Ascot. On his latest start, he dropped down in trip to contest the Group 2 Summer Mile at Ascot on July 21, when he failed to settle and came home fourth.
"The plan is for Carlton House to run at Ascot," said John Warren, racing manager to The Queen. "All is very well with him and he is on target for the weekend. He didn't settle in the Summer Mile but he is in good form and we are looking forward to seeing him run.
"I wouldn't think any of the horses would like the ground to be bottomless but I don't think that we are too concerned about the going. If it really tipped down, then we would discuss it but we are happy with everything at the moment."
Indomito, Side Glance, Declaration of War, Requisition and Sovereign Debt complete the 10 confirmations for the Queen Elizabeth II.
British Champions Day kicks off with the Group 3, £200,000 British Champions Long Distance Cup, with the 16 confirmations including last year's winner Fame and Glory, who also won the 2011 Group 1 Gold Cup. Godolphin's duo Colour Vision and Opinion Poll, who filled the first two places in this year's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, and Group 2 Goodwood Cup victor Saddler's Rock are all set to take their chance, while a third Gold Cup winner, the 2010 hero Rite of Passage, has also been confirmed.
Attention switches to speed for race two, the Group 2, £250,000 British Champions Sprint over six furlongs. Last year's runner-up and recent Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye victor Wizz Kid could bid to go one better, while course specialist Society Rock, successful in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock last time out, also goes forward.
A fascinating clash of the generations is on the cards in the Group 2, £267,505 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes over 1 1/2 milews. The 2011 heroine Dancing Rain is set to make her seasonal reappearance in the prestigious contest and looks likely to face another Group 1 Oaks winner Was and Great Heavens, successful in the Irish equivalent. The French raiders Jehannedarc and La Pomme d'Amour add further spice to a fascinating contest.
