Champion Stakes runner-by-runner guide
Addeybb: Never been out of the first 2 in cheekpieces, whilst form on right-handed tracks reads 13112112. Runner-up in this last year and loves soft ground; can go very close.
Desert Encounter: Hold-up performer who has largely been placed to excellent effect through his career by his deft handler. 5th in this three years ago, will do well to pick up any pieces.
Extra Elusive: Largely consistent performer who has taken his form up a notch this year since teaming up with record-breaking rider Hollie Doyle. First try above Group 3 level; will do well to feature.
Japan: Dual Group 1-winner in 2019 who has failed to reward each-way support in 4 starts this season. Needs a big turnaround in fortunes; booking of Colin Keane catches the eye.
Lord North: Lightly-campaigned Group 1 winner who has barely put a foot wrong all his life. Close form ties with leading contenders and looks to have been kept fresh for this; live chance.
San Donato: Has tried a different distance on each of his last 3 outings. Good 2nd on the Round course in the Summer Mile back in July but has too much to find here.
Skalleti: Took the scalp of Arc winner Sottsass in August with an effort not dissimilar in quality on the clock to Mishriff’s 75 minutes prior. Heavy ground lover with an each-way chance.
Magical: Wonderfully tough mare who has finished in the first two on 14 of her last 15 starts. Took the notable scalp of Ghaiyyath in the Irish Champion on her last start; categorically the one to beat.
Mishriff: Rampantly-progressive French Derby-winning 3 year old representing QIPCO Champions Day’s most successful trainer/jockey combination. Has been on the go since February; is he ready to step up again?
Pyledriver: High-class colt who has been perennially underestimated by the markets through this year’s campaign. Faces his toughest assignment at the end of a long year; can surprise but will certainly need to.
Serpentine: Wide-margin Derby winner who had been tilting at the Arc prior to his shock withdrawal. Grand Prix de Paris form stood up well in the Arc; dangerous to dismiss once again.
Verdict
It has taken performances of brilliance by true champions in Cracksman and Almanzor to get the Classic generation on the scoresheet in this race over the last 10 years and, despite a generous-looking weight allowance, Mishriff has his work cut out against his elders. 7-time Group 1 winner MAGICAL is bidding for a remarkable hat-trick of wins on QIPCO Champions Day and, having downed Ghaiyyath on her last outing, she can take all the beating. As with last year, Addeybb can give her most to think about.
