Racing

Ascot Champions Day 2021: race preview

All eyes will be on Ascot on Saturday for the 2021 Champions Day which is the traditional end to the UK horse racing flat season.

There are six races to enjoy including four Group 1’s and a Group 2, as well as what looks to be a nail-biting end to the Flat Jockey Championship with Oisin Murphy and William Buick locked in a titanic battle.

We’ve taken a closer look at the top races on Saturday – one of the best days racing of the entire flat season.

Ascot Champions Day 2021 Preview

Long Distance Cup

Stradivarius and Trueshan clash once more, just two weeks after they faced off in the Prix du Cadran at Longcamp. Trained by Alan King, Trueshan landed this race last year, seeing off Search For A Song into 2nd who is also back for another crack.

For many, Trueshan will be the banker of the afternoon on Saturday but he could be vulnerable if the ground remains on the good side as he runs in one of the strongest fields ever assembled for this race.

British Champion Sprint Stakes

The six-furlong sprint scene is wide open right now with no standout star following the retirement of Starman.

This particular race has thrown up some big-priced winners over the years including Sands Of Mali, Donjuan Triumphant, and Glen Shiel.

Dragon Symbol and Art Power currently head the betting for 2021 renewal of the Ascot Champions Day contest and it’s looking like conditions could be optimum for Art Power to follow up his recent Curragh success.

British Champion Fillies & Mares Stakes

With the absence of Love, Snowfall makes the switch to take on her female peers once more.

She blew away all-comers to win the Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks, and the Yorkshire Oaks before failing to spark in the Arc trial. But she did run a creditable 6th in the big race two weeks ago and on Saturday she’ll face a field that boasts zero Group 1 successes.

With less demanding ground this weekend, she should see a return to winning ways.

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

This year’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a fascinating renewal as Palace Pier and Baaeed face-off in a mouth-watering clash. Baaeed is a perfect five from five while Palace Pier has won eight of his nine career starts – his only blip came in this race last year.

It’s a classic battle between a horse that’s ‘been there, done that’ and a young potential superstar. Palace Pier might be the current favourite but he’s sure to have a fight on his hands on Saturday afternoon – both in the betting and on the racetrack.

Champion Stakes

The highlight of the 2021 Ascot Champions Day and the race of the afternoon as 10 head to post for the Champions Stakes in a top-quality lineup.

The Epsom Derby winner Adayar will be running less than two weeks after his 4th place in the Arc at Longchamp and he’ll be taking on Mishriff once more following their battle in the King George.

Chuck last season’s winner Addeybb into the mix and this year’s Champion Stakes is a race you don’t want to miss.