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World Pool Preview: QIPCO British Champions Day tips
Graham Cunningham puts forward his suggested World Pool plays for QIPCO British Champions Day.
Charyn the banker as World Pool returns to Ascot
Four Group 1s, one Group 2 and a fierce handicap to finish. Testing ground adds another tricky element to the final British World Pool fixture of 2024 but the stars are out in force for a Qipco Champions Day that offers a plethora of punting possibilities.
LONG DISTANCE CUP (1.20)
What can beat the mighty KYPRIOS as he bids to complete a flawless season which has seen him win 6-6 and become the first Aidan O’Brien horse to score eight times in G1 company?
Any horse can have an off day and TRAWLERMAN has been the biggest thorn in the side of the champ over the last twelve months, getting the better of a memorable duel with him on this day last year and giving him plenty to think about again when a clear second in the Gold Cup.
It's easy to think that we could be in for another memorable showdown between the old foes. I’m very reluctant to desert Kyprios but, all in all, it’s hard to think this is the most attractive race for WP purposes.
CHAMPIONS SPRINT (1.55)
The first rule about 1200m Club is that anything can happen in 1200m Club - and four of the last six winners of this have started at between 16/1 and 40/1.
Ryan Moore’s presence kyboshes any hope of JAMES’S DELIGHT going off at a huge price in the World Pool but Clive Cox’s gelding relishes soft ground and looks a live newcomer to the G1 scene after a couple of smart efforts in France.
MONTASSIB marked his G1 debut with a 25-1 defeat of KIND OF BLUE in the Haydock Sprint Cup and KINROSS’s fine record in this, allied to smart recent efforts, make him another strong short list contender.
But James’ Delight has been flying under the radar in British markets for most of this week and a strongly-run race over Ascot’s stiff straight course looks tailor made as he bids to punch his weight in the G1 sprint club.
FILLIES & MARES STAKES (2.35)
Take two proven G1 winners (Content and Grateful), add a pair who bid to emulate their mums in winning this (Queen of The Pride and Wingspan) and blend with a clutch of bang-in-form fillies for an absorbing renewal of this strong staying test.
KALPANA has thrived during a selective campaign, bolting up at Hamilton and Kempton on her last two starts, and the fact that her sire handled soft ground well provides hope that she can continue her progression as she moves into the big league.
She has to be high on the short list but dangers abound and German raider QUANTANAMERA is on a roll after bounding clear of the smart Arrest in a Deauville G2. She could still represent value even though the big prices have gone, while the Lancashire Oaks 1-2 QUEEN OF THE PRIDE and TIFFANY are others to note.
Queen Of The Pride bombed in the Yorkshire Oaks but is plainly much better than that, while Tiffany slipped on the bend when running well at Haydock but put that behind her with a decisive G2 success in Germany,
QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES (3.15)
It’s hard to envisage a finish to this historic G1 that doesn’t involve CHARYN playing a major role.
Roger Varian’s colt has dominated two of Europe’s top mile races this year – including the Queen Anne over course and distance – and would probably have won two more but for being caught out in messy tactical affairs at Newbury and Longchamp.
Last year’s runner-up FACTEUR CHEVAL looks the most attractive Quinella option again and TAMFANA has thrived against good fillies but, with Guineas winners Notable Speech and Rosallion absent, Charyn seems to have everything in his favour.
He’ll surely take a power of beating as he bids to end his European career on a high – and he might just put on a real show with the emphasis firmly on strength over speed.
QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES (3.55)
No City Of Troy but CALANDAGAN and ECONOMICS have earned a place among the world elite this year and I prefer them in that order in the biggest Champion Stakes field since 2015.
Arc third Los Angeles keeps giving his best in high-class company and rugged French veteran Iresine warrants respect as he bids to become the first seven-year-old to win this since Bendigo in 1887.
But Economics and Calandagan are the form standouts, the former for overcoming a tough trip to land the Irish Champion and the latter for coming well clear of high-class rivals (including subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking) to chase home City Of Troy in the International at York.
Tactics could be important – as both market leaders tend to be held up – but Calandagan crushed some smart rivals on his sole visit to Ascot in the King Edward VII Stakes.
His closing splits at York were impressive and, given that he’s proven on soft ground, the stage looks set for him to shine again in a race that has been kind to French raiders over the years.
BALMORAL HANDICAP (4.35)
Guessing the effect of the draw on Ascot’s straight course is a tricky business but do be aware that this race turned into a bit of a joke last year, with the bulk of the field gravitating towards the far rail and the first five home all drawn 7 or lower.
Time will tell if there is a far side bias this year but STATE ACTOR is well positioned in stall 2 if there is and his progress in Ireland – including a fine second in a deep race at the Curragh on his latest start– marks him out as a progressive gelding well suited to the intensity of big handicaps.
Holloway Boy and Toimy Son both line up in fine form and Star Of Orion has more to recommend him than his long price suggests.
But State Actor is already useful after six runs. He looks to have more to give after a reasonable 4lb rise and Chris Hayes can look forward to a great spin if the gaps come at the right time.
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