Literato champ-ing at the bit

Literato is on course to make his first British start in Saturday’s Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket.

The three-year-old has won three of his five starts for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget this term, as well as finishing a close second to Lawman in the French Derby.

Literato claimed a Group Two at Deauville and a Longchamp Group Three on his last two outings and Rouget is looking forward to a trip to Newmarket.

“He is an intended runner. Everything has gone to plan since his last run,” said the French handler.

“I want to have a good trip and we will see. I wouldn’t want the ground too firm but I would be happy on anything else.”

Literato is a 6-1 chance with VC Bet for Champion Stakes glory, with Notnowcato their 100-30 favourite after further support for Sir Michael Stoute’s charge.

Emirates Airline Champion Stakes

VC Bet bet: 100-30 Notnowcato, 4-1 Creachadoir, 9-2 Multidimensional, 6-1 Literato, Eagle Mountain, 7-1 Doctor Dino, 12-1 Mount Nelson, 16-1 Maraahel, 25-1 Speciosa, 50-1 bar.