Laverock to miss Champion Stakes

Prix d’Ispahan winner Laverock will miss Saturday’s Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes at Newmarket in preference to a race in Milan on Sunday.

The Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained four-year-old has enjoyed a short break since his last race and will bid for his second success at the highest level in the Gran Premio Del Jockey Club E Coppa d’Oro.

He was last seen finishing a respectable four-length fifth to Notnowcato in the Juddmonte International in August and connections feel he should acquit himself well once again this weekend.

“Laverock doesn’t go for the Champion. He is instead heading for a race in Italy at the weekend,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owners Gainsborough Stud.

Explaining the decision to sidestep the Newmarket feature, he added: “It looks like it could be a very good Champion and although Cherry Mix might run against him at the weekend he might be one of the favourites over there.”