So You Think tops Champion contenders

A total of 17 high-class horses are still engaged in the Qipco Champion Stakes which will be run at Ascot for the first time on Saturday.

Aidan O’Brien’s So You Think is now back in the picture after positive comments from the Ballydoyle handler at the weekend and he could attempt to bounce back from his fourth place in the Arc at the beginning of the month.

O’Brien has also left in Await The Dawn who returned from his defeat at York a sick horse. Windsor Palace is another Coolmore possible.

John Gosden’s King George winner Nathaniel remains in the mix but Gosden will be anxiously watching the skies for rain all week.

Henry Cecil finally won the Juddmonte International for the sponsor, Khalid Abdullah, with Twice Over, and the tough six-year-old will be attempting to win the Champion Stakes for a third time at the weekend.

Joining him will be the mare Midday, second at York but winner of a third Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

Godolphin could be represented by Casamento and Dubai Prince who were both promising juveniles last year but have had interrupted campaigns this term.

However, last year’s Racing Post Trophy winner Casamento returned to winning ways in France last time and that form was boosted by Bubble Chic at Newmarket on Saturday.

Dubai Prince has been brought along slowly but maintained his unbeaten record at Newbury while Poet’s Voice is another who could run for Godolphin.

The French challenge looks strong with the consistent gelding Cirrus Des Aigles a likely runner and Reliable Man also still engaged, although he is another who would want rain.

Snow Fairy is still in the mix for Ed Dunlop while Jim Bolger’s Banimpire could turn out again.

The likes of Wigmore Hall, Green Destiny and Ransom Note, all good horses in their own right, are others who add strength in depth.