Effectively the culmination of the flat season this Saturday with Champions Day at Ascot. 4 Group 1’s, a Group 2 and an extremely valuable handicap bring the curtain down on what has been yet another incredible flat campaign. Champion jockeys are crowned on what is a brilliant day and it could be the battle of the John Gosden pair in the Champion Stakes if Roaring Lion takes on Cracksman. A decent jumps card at Ffos Las on Saturday as well with the Welsh Champion Hurdle the highlight.
Trainers
- Simon Crisford – Made the shortlist last week and has cemented his place for a second edition running. A further 5 winners at a strike rate of 45% with only 3 of his runners finishing out of the places, his horses are running out of their skin.
- Tom Dascombe – Ended last week very strongly with doubles on Friday and Saturday, particularly worth watching out for at Haydock on Friday as he’s leading trainer there over the last 5 years.
- Ralph Beckett – Impressive 26% strike rate last week with a treble on Friday, has one runner at Kempton on Monday where he has a 20% strike rate this season.
- John Gosden – Had 5 winners over the past 7 days and looks set for a big week with a number of leading contenders at Ascot on Saturday.
Jockeys
- Richard Kingscote – Built up plenty of confidence throughout last week with a double on Friday and a winner on Saturday with 4 seconds over the two days as well. Rides exceptionally well at Haydock and teams up well there with Tom Dascombe.
- Jim Crowley – Going about his business very well of late with a treble and a pair of doubles last week, has some strong rides at Yarmouth and Kempton on Monday.
- James Doyle – Hit back from the disappointment of being narrowly denied in the Arc by landing 3 winners last week from not many rides. Had a couple of close seconds in Australia over the weekend but will be back hungry for more success in the coming days.
- Oisin Murphy – Is slowly becoming the ‘go to’ man for many trainers and sits top of last weeks charts with 10 winners, gets the plum ride on Roaring Lion in the Champion Stakes.
Horses
- Green Fortune – Has been rejuvenated since the fitting of a visor, beating a subsequent winner on penultimate start and running 2nd last time, 3rd has won since and the winner has scored in Listed company. Runs in the 3.10pm at Windsor on Monday.
- Elasia – Well-related filly who was a game winner at Goodwood last time, showing a good attitude and has only been raised 2lbs. Entered in the 4.05pm at Nottingham on Wednesday.
- Sharja Bridge – Lightly raced and ran well in the Cambridgeshire in 7th despite being away from the main action. Dropped 1lb and would appreciate some cut in the ground in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot on Saturday.
