Ascot Champions Day 2013: Runners, Odds, Racecard and Predictions

This Saturday will see the return of the British Champions Day to Ascot for the third time, and the first without the great Frankel to draw in the crowds.

Much of the build up to the big day has focussed on the conditions, with the ground turning soft in recent days under the strain of heavy rainfall. While the surface will suit some horses more than others, with £3.4million in prize money up for grabs, the owners will be eager to have their runners in form as they line out on the big day.

There are six races on the card for Britain’s richest day of horse racing as owners, trainers and jockeys alike look to finish the season on a high. 

Here’s a look at what to expect at the culmination of the European Flat racing season.

Champions Stakes

Despite questions over the participation of some, there are still 15 horses in contention for the Champions Stake.

Prix Dollar at Longchamp winner Cirrus Des Aigles takes his spot as the favourite after winning in 2011 and finishing second to Frankel in 2012.

Aidan O’Brien still has his quartet or runners—Kingsbarns, Ruler of the World, Declaration of War and Magician—in the race but questions remain over the latter two, according to Sporting Life.

The Irishman told At The Races: “Declaration Of War could maybe struggle to run, because if the ground is not good or better he won't run. Magician is a little bit the same, he wants real good ground as well.

"Ruler Of The World and Kingsbarns are in and both of those have form with ease in the ground, so maybe they'll run if the rain keeps coming as it is.”

Godolphin’s hopes rest on Farhh, who is the 4/1 second favourite with the bookies, but questions remain over whether he will run in the Champions Stakes or the Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

Place	Runner	Odds
1	Dawn Approach	2/1
2	Toronado	11/2
3	Gordon Lord Byron	10/1

The Group 1 race is expected to pit rivals Dawn Approach and Toronado against each other for the fourth time this year.

Dawn Approach, trained by Jim Bolger, came out on top in the 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot but Toronado gained revenge in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood at the end of July. 

There are slight questions over both runners ahead of the big race. Chris Cook reports in the Guardian that Qatari Sheikh Joaan, who owns both Toronado and another entrant Olympic Glory, does not want to run both his horses against each other, while Garry Owen from the Daily Record quoted Bolger as saying he is “hopeful” that Dawn Approach will cope with the softer ground.

At 2/1, the bookies have Dawn Approach as favourite to finish first but keep an eye out for outsider Gordon Lord Byron, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, who has been in fantastic form of late.

British Champions Fillies' and Mares' Stakes

Ralph Beckett’s Talent, winner of the 2013 Oaks Stakes, is the 7/2 favourite to take home the crown won by Sapphire in 2012.

Talent’s closest challenger in the nine-horse race will be French entrant Dalkala, who impressed in winning the Prix de l’Opera this year, and The Lark, who will enjoy the softer ground on Saturday.

The race, which has been promoted to Group 1 status, doubled its prize money in the last year, with the winner expected to take away £283,500. 

British Champions Long Distance Cup

Place	Runner	Odds
1	Estimate	2/1
2	Ahzeemah	7/1
3	Saddlers Rock	18/1

The Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate will be the favourite to finish first in the opening race of the day. The filly, which is owned by the Queen, is in "wonderful" form, according to racing manager John Warren.

Warren told BBC Sport: "She's had a nice long lay-off to freshen her up for this autumn target. 

"She won the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot on soft ground last year, so we are hoping that won't inconvenience her. It seems to be her track and she relishes the trip."

Estimate's main challenge is expected to come in the form of Ahzeemah and Harris Tweed but keep an eye on outsider Saddlers Rock at 18/1.

British Champions Sprint Stakes

Maarek and Hawkeyethenoo are expected to go head-to-head once more this year in the six-furlong contest. 

Maarek, who impressed in his last two outings in Newbury and Longchamp, won the event last year, finishing just ahead of Hawkeyethenoo. The bookies have Maarek as slight favourite again, with the softer conditions expected to suit the six year old.